1935 Erannis defoliaria (Mottled Umber)

Geometridae, Ennominae Wingspan: 36-40mm.

A common species throughout the UK, but under recorded as the flight season occurs during the coldest period of the year. Similarly marked to that of 1934 Agriopis marginaria (Dotted Border), but it is more strongly marked with darker bands, and usually there is a prominent black spot mid-forewing. Although there is an edge pattern to the wings, unlike the Dotted Border, the pattern is made up from bars in the wing fringes, not spots along the wing edge. This species is usually only seen in established woodland and not in large quantities. This is another species with flightless females, and they can be found by inspecting trunks of trees where the species occurs.

The flight season in the UK is quoted from October to January, but in Cornwall this can also extend into February, and sometimes even March.