ABH 70.243	Swallow-tailed Moth Ourapteryx sambucaria		BF 1922
Back To	(Linnaeus, 1758)
Phenology	JAN  FEB  MAR  APR  MAY  JUN  JUL  AUG  SEP  OCT  NOV  DEC
Family	Geometridae » Ennominae
Wingspan	40-50 mm.
Description	Adults are akin to large butterflies and named after the small projections on the apex of the hind wings. Most adults trapped at light show signs of damage and appear faded. The bright lemon yellow so distinctive of fresh specimens fades quickly. Adults have two widely spaced cross-lines on the forewings.Being strictly nocturnal and having quite a short emergence period in July, it is not often seen by casual observer.
Life Cycle	The larvae feed on a number of trees and shrubs, but prefer ivy (Hedera helix).
Habitat	Frequently found in a variety of habitats particularly woodland rides, clearings, bogs and gardens, but never abundantly. Adults have a skittish nature and often fly at the least sign of disturbance. The larvae can be found from August to May of the following year on ivy and various other species of trees and shrubs Larva feeds on woody plants such as Blackthorn, Hawthorn, Goat Willow, Black Currant, Elder, Horse Chestnut and Ivy.. It overwinters as a larva.
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