About Hypomecis roboraria (Denis & Schiffermüller), 1775
Hypomecis roboraria, commonly known as the great oak beauty, is a moth species belonging to the family Geometridae. This species is distributed across the Palearctic realm. Its nominate subspecies occurs in Europe, while the subspecies isabellaria ranges from western Central Asia eastward across Siberia and Mongolia to northern China. The wingspan of adult Hypomecis roboraria measures 40–50 mm. Males have feather-shaped antennae, and females have thread-shaped antennae. The forewings bear three narrow, wavy dark cross-bands; these bands are distinct along the front edge of the wing, and often become blurry toward the rear. The hindwings have two similar cross-bands, one of which is typically quite clear. The larva is naked, brown, and gnarled, and strongly resembles a dead oak twig. Adult moths fly from May to August. Caterpillars of this species feed on oak. Similar species related to Hypomecis roboraria include Hypomecis punctinalis and other undescribed or unspecified species in the genus Hypomecis.
