1896 Itame brunneata (Rannoch Looper)

Geometridae, Ennominae - Wingspan: 22-25mm.

This little moth arrived at our Pyramid Trap amongst a large number of other moths and insects at a Group Trapping event in Mid-Cornwall. Like a Butterfly, it persisted in keeping its wings closed together, so was finally put aside to review the following morning. Even then, it was reluctant to open its wings, but finally revealed its top pattern here, showing that it was a rare migrant. Apparently, there had been a small influx of this species along the South Coast, but all reports recorded them on the 4th June. In that case, this must have been one of the first to arrive in the UK this year.

Of the few specimens seen in Cornwall, they all seem to have arrived in June.