Archiearis parthenias (EN: Orange underwing, DE: Großes Jungfernkind)

This moth is a “classic” herald of early Spring in Europe, since it is one of the first butterflies that can be seen on a sunny day around the beginnings of March, at times even end of February, depending on location and weather conditions. Although Geometrid moths are mostly nocturnal, the Orange underwing is active during daytime, often zooming up high among the treetops of birch trees (on which their larvae feed) and other trees with early flowers.

This behaviour - the moths preferring sunlit treetops - made it difficult for us to actually see one long enough close up to snap a picture. In fact, during the past years it has become a sort of joke between my partner and me - hey, it's early Spring again and a sunny day, shall we go for a walk in this or that patch of forest and NOT find any "Jungerfernkinder"? Only, this year we finally got lucky.