Photo © David G Green
Straw Belle
Aspitates gilvaria
Checklist Number70.293 [B&F: 1967]
Verification
Record will require further evidence, at least a good photograph, unless CMR is aware recorder has confidence in identification
Classification
| Family: | Geometridae |
| Subfamily: | Ennominae |
| Genus: | Aspitates |
| Species: | gilvaria |
| Authority: | ([Denis & Schiffermüller], 1775) |
A rare Red Data Book species, on calcareous grassland and in quarries, at two sites in Surrey and several in Kent, a priority species under the UK Biodiversity Action Plan. Also local on limestone pavements in Ireland on the Burren (ssp. burrenensis). In Hampshire and on the Isle of Wight there are two very old records, which may not stand up to scrutiny but remain on the database. Wingspan 32-39 mm. The most likely confusion species is Yellow Belle Semiaspilates ochrearia, which see for differences. Larva feeds on Common Bird's-foot Trefoil, Fairy Flax, Black Medick, Wild Thyme, Creeping Cinquefoil, Wild Parsnip and Yarrow.
The abundance in each month is indicated as follows:
No records
Very occasional
Irregular
Uncommon
Off-peak, but not unusual
Off-peak, but not unusual
Main flight time| J | F | M | A | M | J | J | A | S | O | N | D | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Adult | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Larval | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Records by week (adult)
Records by week (larval)
VC10 Isle of Wight
| Site | Date | Quantity | Recorder | Stage |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cowes (SZ49) | 1856 | - | Mike Jeffes | Adult |
| Sandown (SZ58) | 1929 | - | Mike Jeffes | Adult |
| Freshwater (SZ38) | 2001 | - | IWG | Adult |
