72.010 Black Arches Copyright Martin Evans
72.010 Black Arches female Copyright Martin Evans
72.010 Black Arches Copyright Martin Evans
Distribution map Copyright Martin Evans
Life stages table Copyright Martin Evans 72.010 Black Arches Copyright Martin Evans

Erebidae

72.010 Black Arches Lymantria monacha (Linnaeus, 1758)

Local

Similar species: There is a form with a grey rather than white background which is superficially similar to a male Gypsy Moth Lymantria dispar, otherwise this moth is unlikely to be mistaken for any other British or Irish species.

Forewing: M 18 to 20mm, F 20 to 28mm

Habitats: Deciduous woodland, parkland, scrub and hedgerows.

Habits: The moth can sometimes be found on tree trunks during the day. It comes to light.

Foodplant: The larva feeds mainly on Sessile Oak or Pedunculate Oak, but also on Silver Birch, Downy Birch, Aspen, Midland Hawthorn, elms, Hornbeam, Scots Pine and Norway Spruce. It pupates in a flimsy cocoon spun in the foliage of the foodplant or in a bark crevice.

On the European mainland it has also been recorded feeding on European Silver Fir, Beech, lime and willows.