Tawny-barred Angle (Macaria liturata)
The Tawny-barred Angle is not difficult to identify. It has an orange coloured broad band running over the forewing. It is still slightly visible in the specimen in the photographs on this page. We must admit though this is a very worn animal. There are no sharp angles on the lower wing, even though the Peacock and the Sharp-angled Peacock belong to the same genus. Reaching a wingspan of some 28 to 34 mm the Tawny-barred Angle is about the same size.
The caterpillar is variable, but often is green, with some white lines along the sides and dark green lines just besides the back. However it may be yellowish or brownish as well. It may reach a length of some 22 mm. The larvae live on a great variety of conifers from May to October. The Tawny-barred Angle pupates between the needles on the ground and overwinters as a pupa.
In Britain a single brooded species mainly, on the wing in June and July. In Southern England it is double brooded, flying late May to middle June and again in August and early September. Like the ones in our pictures the Tawny-barred Angle regularly flies by day, but in very small numbers only. At night it is attracted to light very easily, sometimes appearing abundantly. Can be disturbed by day at its resting place: conifers or bushes below, such as hazel. Common throughout Britain, where ever you find conifers.
The previous scientific name is still used regularly: Semiothisa liturata.
