Caterpillar of Buff-Tip

Description:

The caterpillar of the Buff-Tip moth. Almost checkered black yellow and orange pattern and covered in hairs. The adult moth: this is a fairly large, heavy-bodied species with a wingspan of 55–68 mm. The forewings are grey with a large prominent buff patch at the apex. As the thoracic hair is also buff, the moth resembles a broken twig when at rest. The hindwings are creamy-white. This moth flies at night in June and July and sometimes comes to light, although it is not generally strongly attracted. The young larvae are gregarious, becoming solitary later. The older larva is very striking, black with white and yellow lines. It feeds on many trees and shrubs. The species overwinters as a pupa.