Description: Wingspan 21-24 mm. Forewings powder white, suffused with greyish brown around all the margins; the amount of brown can vary between individuals. There is a small dark-coloured discal in the median area of the forewing. The thorax is similar in colour to the forewings and the latter half of the abdomen is dark brown. The hindwings are similar in colour with a small discal spot. Early June to late August. Skinner gives July and August as the normal flight period in Britain.

World Distribution: Widespread across northern and central Europe east to central Asia.

Irish Distribution: Recorded mainly from north east Down and along the Lagan valley in the Greater Belfast area where its stronghold seems to be. Away from here records are widely scattered including Rostrevor Oakwood, Down, Peatlands Park, Armagh, and Crom Estate, Fermanagh.

Ecology: A distinctive species recorded mainly from roadside verges and mature suburban gardens. Adults appear sparingly at light, usually as single individuals. The larvae feed during September and October on Mugwort Artemisia vulgaris. It overwinters as a pupa.

Key Identification Features:

• Large size and powder-like appearance of the forewings
• Dark border around the margin of forewing and small discal spot
• White thorax

Distribution Map from NBN: Eupithecia succenturiata at National Biodiversity Network mapping facility, data for UK.

iNaturalist: Eupithecia succenturiata at iNaturalist World Species Observations database.