Peacock Moth
Macaria notata
This record describes Macaria notata (species). Recorded family: Geometridae. Recorded order: Lepidoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Wingspan 28 to 32 mm. Rather similar to the Sharp-angled Peacock, although usually slightly paler with less grey suffusion. Typically the dark notch near the forewing tip is less concave, and the broken blotch in the centre is more distinct. Peacock also usually has a clean dark line around the hindwing fringe, which is broken or dotted in Sharp-angled Peacock. However, some of these features can be difficult to see in worn specimens. The adults are on the wing during May and June (and occasionally again in August in the south). The dull brownish caterpillars feed mainly on birch. Mainly found in the southern half of England and Wales, though it occurs sparingly in parts of Scotland and Ireland. In a recent survey to determine the status of all macro moths in Britain this species was classified as local.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Lepidoptera
- Family
- Geometridae
- Genus
- Macaria
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
It occurs in woodland habitat.
Seasonal Activity
The adults are on the wing during May and June (and occasionally again in August in the south).
Diet and Behavior
Life History
The dull brownish caterpillars feed mainly on birch.
Additional species information
Recorded status
Mainly found in the southern half of England and Wales, though it occurs sparingly in parts of Scotland and Ireland. In a recent survey to determine the status of all macro moths in Britain this species was classified as local.
About Butterflies and Moths: the wider group
Order-level background for Lepidoptera, the group containing Macaria notata. Species-specific details appear above.
Group overview
Lepidoptera includes approximately 180,000 described species of butterflies and moths. Moths outnumber butterflies roughly 10:1. The monarch butterfly's eastern population has declined by more than 80% since the mid-1990s, and the western population by over 95% since the 1980s. The IUCN lists the migratory monarch as Vulnerable.
Ecological role of the group
Butterflies and moths are essential indicators of ecosystem health. As caterpillars, they are a primary food source for birds - a single nest of blue tit chicks requires ~10,000 caterpillars. Adult moths pollinate many night-blooming plants.
Economic and practical significance of the group
Lepidoptera are critical pollinators. In Europe, grassland butterfly species have declined by almost 50% since the early 1990s. In the UK, three-quarters of butterflies are in decline. In the U.S., five butterfly species have gone extinct since 1950, with 29 listed as endangered.
Recorded sources for this group: IUCN Red List, Xerces Society, USFWS, PNAS, WWF. Imported estimates may describe particular regions or reporting periods.
Photos of Peacock Moth (6)
Frequently Asked Questions About Peacock Moth
What is Peacock Moth?
Peacock Moth (Macaria notata) is a species in the family Geometridae, within the order Lepidoptera.
Where is Peacock Moth found?
Habitat: It occurs in woodland habitat.
When is Peacock Moth active?
Peacock Moth: seasonal activity - The adults are on the wing during May and June (and occasionally again in August in the south)..
What is the life cycle of a Peacock Moth?
The dull brownish caterpillars feed mainly on birch.