1954 Bupalus piniaria (Bordered White)

Geometridae, Ennominae Wingspan: 34-38mm.

A common species throughout the UK, but restricted to Pine woodland and plantations. In Cornwall, it is not seen very often, possibly due to under-recording in suitable habitats. The natural stance for this species is with wings together over the back, like a butterfly. Fortunately, this species has a distinctive brown underside with a prominent radial white stripe bisecting the hindwings and scattered white blotches against the background. The upperside has broad dark borders around the central wing areas, which can range from white to orange.

The flight season in the UK is defined as May / June, but the few records in west Cornwall so far occurred as occasional single individuals in May and July. The female shown above actually laid a number of eggs, but the young larvae which hatched refused to feed on the pine species available for some reason.