About Anticlea derivata (Denis & Schiffermüller), 1775
Anticlea derivata, commonly known as the streamer, is a moth species belonging to the family Geometridae. It was first described by Michael Denis and Ignaz Schiffermüller in 1775. This species is found in Europe, North Africa, and across the Palearctic region as far east as the Altai Mountains. It prefers habitats including sunny slopes, hedgerows, bushy areas, and gardens and parks. The wingspan of Anticlea derivata ranges from 30 to 34 mm. Its most common body and wing colors are light brown and light grey, and pink tints may also be present. A narrow dark lateral band sits near the base of the forewings, and the basal region is bordered by a slightly curved, blackish transverse band. A distinctive pattern marks the forewings: a large dark triangle costal patch that extends into a jagged line, which thins toward the inner edge of the wing. The hindwings are brown-grey and marked with a faint cross line. Mature caterpillars are long and green, with a yellowish tint between segments. A purplish or reddish-brown stripe along the back is broken into diamond-shaped spots on the middle segments. In some individuals, these spots are only present behind the head and on the segment that bears the rearmost pair of legs. Adult moths fly between March and May, with flight timing varying by location. The larvae feed on various rose species.
