Description: Wingspan 33-46mm. Adults are bright lemon-yellow with pale brown patches on the costa and at the tip of the forewings. The cross-lines are often faint and in some cases absent. There is a small which is brown-edged, white discal spot on the forewings. The hindwings are also lemon-yellow. Early May to late August.

Irish Distribution: Common and widely distributed throughout all counties including Rathlin Island, Antrim.

Ecology: A common distinctive species found in a variety of habitats particularly woodland rides, clearings and many suburban gardens. Its bright lemon colour makes it difficult to confuse with any other species. Adults are active from dusk onwards and come frequently to light in moderate numbers. The larvae can be found from late spring right through until autumn on Blackthorn Prunus spinosa, Hawthorn Crataegus monogyna and Rowan Sorbus aucuparia. It overwinters as a pupa.

Key Identification Features:

• Unlikely to be confused with anything else

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

iNaturalist: Opisthograptis luteolata at iNaturalist World Species Observations database.