71.009 Lobster Moth Copyright Martin Evans
71.009 Lobster Moth Copyright Martin Evans
71.009 Lobster Moth Copyright Martin Evans
71.009 Lobster Moth and Great Prominent Copyright Martin Evans
Distribution map Copyright Martin Evans
Life stages table Copyright Martin Evans 71.009 Lobster Moth Copyright Martin Evans

Notodontidae

71.009 Lobster Moth Stauropus fagi (Linnaeus, 1758)

Common

Similar species: Great Prominent Peridea anceps is superficially similar because of the similar size and because both have similar resting postures with the hindwings showing outside the forewings, but when put alongside each other the differences are obvious.

Forewing: 24 to 33mm

Habitats: Old mature woodland and occasionally mature scrub.

Habits: The male comes to light, the female rarely.

Foodplant: The larva feeds on mature Beech or oaks and occasionally Downy Birch, Silver Birch, Hazel, limes, apple, Hawthorn, Blackthorn or Dog-rose. In captivity it accepts Aspen and willows. It pupates in the leaf litter or in loose soil.