Sharp-angled Peacock - Macaria alternata

Wingspan 22 to 27 mm. Superficially similar to the Peacock Moth (M. notata), this species has a deeper notch near the tip of the forewing, edged blackish. The forewing blotch is usually less prominent, and there is a subtle suffused grey median band. The dark line around the edge of the hindwing is normally broken or dotted, rather than continuous as in Peacock Moth.

This is a rare moth in our area and good quality images are needed to support your record. Please retain the specimen until your record has been accepted by the County Recorder.

Various habitats including coastal sand dunes.

Main flight time is May to August.

The larvae feed on various trees and shrubs such as Willow, Alder, Blackthorn and Sea-buckthorn.

Mainly restricted to the southern counties of England and Wales and the East Anglia coast. It is infrequent elsewhere in Britain. In a recent survey to determine the status of all macro moths in Britain this species was classified as local.

Rare in Leicestershire and Rutland, the Broughton Astley record of 26th August 2025 is the first record for our area in modern times.