Pterapherapteryx sexalata (Retz.) ( Mysticoptera sexalata ) Small Seraphim
p111. Resident, very local; locally fairly common; eastern. 81 Tiptree Heath, 1983 (AJD); 90
Bradwell-on-Sea, 1976(AJD), 1983 (SFJD); 91 LayerWood, 1984 (AJD); 92 Layer-de-la-Haye /
Berechurch, locally fairly common; Prettygate, several, 1976 (JY); Ol Fingringhoe Wick NR, 1976
(PJW); 02 N. Colchester, several, 1976 (JY); 21 Great Holland Pits NR, 1979 (MEA).
Acasis viretata (Hb.) Yellow-barred Brindle
p111. Resident, widespread and locally fairly common.
Ennominae
This subfamily includes the 'thorns' and 'beauties' and almost all the largest species of geometrid as
well as some small and medium-sized moths. They tend to have relatively stout bodies and, in the case
of the thorns, angled borders to their wings. Most species feed on the leaves of trees or shrubs and
include all those geometrids with caterpillars that closely resemble sticks; the larvae of the thorns tend
to have thorn-like projections which enhance the illusion. Several genera have adults which emerge in
winter and in these the females are brachypterous or even completely wingless. Most of the remainder
overwinter as larvae camouflaged on their foodplant or as pupae in subterranean cocoons. There are
81 species on the British list of which 57 are now resident in Essex.
Abraxas grossulariata (Linn.) The Magpie
p121. Resident, widespread and common, especially so in 1984.
Abraxas sylvata (Scop.) Clouded Magpie
pl20. Resident, very local and scarce or rare. 49 Epping Forest, 1979 (CD per IS); 54 Chesterford
Park, 1981 (JR); 70 Danbury Ridge, 1978 (FBM, GAP); 90 Bradwell-on-Sea, 1975, two 1983
(AJD); 92 Layer-de-la-Haye, 1983 (JY); 11 St Osyth, 1984 (RWA); 23 Ramsey, 1975 (Mrs
Simpson per MEA).
Lomaspilis marginata (Linn.) Clouded Border
p121. Resident, widespread and common.
Ligdia adustata (D. & S.) Scorched Carpet
pl21. Resident, fairly widespread and locally fairly common.
Semiothisa notata (Linn.) Peacock Moth
p122. Resident, rather local; locally fairly common; mainly southern and eastern.
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