Buff-tip (Phalera bucephala)
Species

Taken at Aston, Oxon., on July 8th 2023.
(1/250th sec at f13. © David Hastings)

Description

Family: Notodontidae

Wing span: M: 44 - 52mm F: 52 - 68mm

When at rest, with its wings held vertically against the body, this large moth closely resembles a broken birch twig. This is due to the buff blotches on the tip of the fore-wing and front of the thorax.

It can be found throughout the British Isles.

Usual habitats are open woodland, scrub, hedgerows and gardens.

There is usually one generation from late May to July. The pupa is the overwintering stage.

Larvae feed mainly on sallows, birches, oaks and Hazel, but have been recorded on many other broadleaved species.

It comes to light in small numbers.

Sightings

08-Jul-2023 : Aston, Oxon (1)
26-Jun-2023 : Bernwood Forest, Bucks (1)

07-Jun-2022 : Aston, Oxon (1)
23-May-2022 : Aston, Oxon (1)

28-Jun-2009 : Warburg Reserve, Oxon