Buff-tip Moth Caterpillar

Description:

Moth caterpillar

Habitat:

Forest

Notes:

The Buff-tip (Phalera bucephala) is a moth of the family Notodontidae. It is found throughout Europe. 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 looks remarkably like 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. (Wikipedia)