The  Insects of the British Isles

by Dave Hatton

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PICTURE: Mature larva beaten from Grey Poplar on the disused railway line in Stafford, May 1987.

DISTRIBUTION: Moths of this species are fairly common, and are widely distributed residents to England, and Wales. They are less common in Scotland, the Inner Hebrides and Ireland. There is a melanic form (f. monarcharia) which is generally quite common, and in some places is the dominant form.

WING SPAN: 45 to 50mm.                                   STATUS: Resident.      

FLIGHT PERIOD: This species is single brooded and is on the wing in from January to March. The female moth is wingless, and males come sparingly to light. In mild years some adults can appear in the late autumn.

LARVAL PERIOD: Eggs are laid in March and caterpillars are around from April to June. Pupation takes place in the soil at the foot of the tree. Adults emerge in January and February of the following year.

HABITAT: Habitats are many places with a variety of tree's and shrubs.

FOOD PLANT/S: The food plants for these caterpillars are may kinds of deciduous tree's and shrubs including, Oak, Silver Birch, Lime, Elm, Poplar, Hawthorn, Wild Plum, Blackthorn and Sallow.                                  

SIMILAR SPECIES: None.

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