Taken at Irinovac, Croatia, on June 6th 2017. (© David Hastings)
(1/33rd sec at f2.2)

Description

Family: Lasiocampidae (ABH : 66.012)

Wing span: 56 - 84mm

The large size, long snout, purplish-brown coloration, scalloped outer edge of wing, and resting posture make this moth unmistakable.

It is mainly restricted to south-west and southern England, the south-west Midlands, and East Anglia.

Typical habitats are hedgerows and thorn scrub on downland, and open woodland.

It over-winters as a small larva and pupates in a tough cocoon near the ground. Adults are on the wing from late June to mid-August.

Larvae feed chiefly on Blackthorn, Hawthorn, Crab Apple and cultivated apples.

Comes to light in small numbers.

Sightings