About Hypomecis punctinalis (Scopoli, 1763)
Hypomecis punctinalis, commonly known as the pale oak beauty, is a moth species belonging to the family Geometridae. It was first described by Giovanni Antonio Scopoli in his 1763 work *Entomologia Carniolica*. This species is distributed across central and southern Europe, Asia Minor, Transcaucasia, Russia, the Russian Far East, Japan, Korea, Ussuri, and western China. Its wingspan ranges from 46 to 55 mm, and the length of its forewings is between 22 and 26 mm. The forewings have a grey-white base colour with a brownish tinge, and are covered in fine blackish speckling. The outer margin of the forewing is convex, and bears prominent transverse lines alongside a distinct discal mark, which has a pale centre surrounded by a dark ring. Male forewings also have a fovea. The hindwings share a similar patterning to the forewings, with noticeably dark, wavy median and second lines. This moth produces one generation per year, with adults active from the end of April to July. The larvae feed on a range of trees, including oak and birch. This species is similar to Hypomecis roboraria, which can be distinguished by a pale spot on a dark background at the apex of the forewing underside that is absent in H. punctinalis.
