Green Carpet Colostygia pectinataria

Late June to early August.

Woodland, marshes, most habitats with bedstraw.

When newly emerged this moth is an attractive apple-green, but the colour soon fades to yellowish white. The black triangles along the leading edge of the forewing help camouflage by disrupting the moth's shape.

Click on the image to enlarge it.

Magpie Moth Abraxas grossulariata

Late June to early August.

Gardens, allotments, woodland edge, also heather moorland.

Few of our geometrids are warningly coloured, but Magpie Moth is an obvious exception. It sits exposed on foliage, protected from most predators by its garish pattern.

Even so, it has declined dramatically in recent decades, especially in urban areas, though huge numbers still occur on heather moorland in north-west Scotland.

Click on the image to enlarge it.

Purple Clay Diarsia brunnea

Late June to early August.

Deciduous woodland, farmland, gardens.

While the English name of this moth is a slight exaggeration, its scientific one (which translates as brown) scarcely does it justice, as this particularly bright and fresh individual shows.

Though a common moth, it hides by day in ground cover and like others in its group is hardly ever seen except at light or sugar.

Click on the image to enlarge it.

Buff-tip Phalera bucephala

Mid-June through July.

Woodland and scrub.

This large and distinctive member of the Prominent family is renowned for its resemblance to a freshly broken bit of twig. Mated pairs remain together throughout the following day, trusting in their camouflage. Sharp eyes as well as luck are required to spot them.

Click on the image to enlarge it.

Light Emerald Campaea margaritata

Late June to early August.

Woodland, parkland, gardens.

Most deciduous trees can be used used as foodplant by this common geometrid.

The delicate blue-green adult rests by day amongst the foliage, usually on the underside of the leaves.

Click on the image to enlarge it