Notodontidae

71.025 Buff-tip Phalera bucephala (Linnaeus, 1758)

Common

Similar species: This moth is unlikely to be mistaken for any other British or Irish species.

Forewing: M 22 to 26mm, F 26 to 34mm

Habitats: Open woodland, scrub, carr, hedgerows, amenity planting and gardens.

Habits: The moth comes to light around midnight or later.

Foodplant: The smaller larvae feed gregariously on mainly Grey Willow, Goat Willow, Downy Birch, Silver Birch, Hazel and oaks, but also on limes, elms, Alder, Beech, Rowan, Hornbeam, Sycamore and other deciduous trees and shrubs. They feed singly in the later instars. Pupation takes place in a tough earthy cocoon in the soil.

On the European mainland it has also been recorded feeding on poplars.