December Moth
Poecilocampa populi

Occurs in woodland and parkland from mid October into early December.

Despite its name, the December Moth rarely lasts into that month in our area. Unusually for moths that are out in winter, both sexes fly. They often come to lighted windows.

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Winter Moth
Operophtera brumata

May be found in woodland and gardens in November and December.

Small, pale moths fluttering slowly in car headlights on a still winter's evening are probably males of this species, the female being flightless.

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Northern Winter Moth
Operophtera fagata

Look for this species in birch or beech woodland, in late October and November.

This is a slightly larger, paler and greyer version of the previous species, best distinguished by its more elongated wings. Despite its English name, its distribution is not particulary northern.

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Scarce Umber
Agriopis aurantiaria

Occurs in late October through November in woodland.

Again, its English name is misleading as this is quite a common moth, especially in birchwoods. Like others in its group, the female is flightless.

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Mottled Umber
Erannis defoliaria

This moth may be found in woodland from late October (sometimes earlier) into New Year.

Males are very variable, some strikingly marked like the one illustrated, others plain and dull. The female (lower image) is virtually wingless, and rarely seen.

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