Notodontidae: Phalerinae

08750 Buff-tip Phalera bucephala, (Linnaeus, 1758)

BF1994 (ABH71.025)

 2010-2016
 2017
 2018
 2019


General Information

This moth has grey forewings with a large pale cream blotch on each tip, creamy-white hindwings, and an orange-brown body. This strong pattern, coupled with its habit of folding its wings tightly along its body and jutting its pale buff thorax forward over its head, actually creates the illusion that the moth is a dead and peeling piece of birch or oak stem.

 

Pupates in loose soil.

 

Overwinters as Overwinters as a pupa.
Both sexes readily come to light, sometimes in numbers.
Often found at rest during day

Forewing length: M 22-26mm. F 26-34mm.
Foodplant(s): birches (Betula spp.), sallows (Salix spp.), oaks (Quercus spp.), Hazel (Corylus avellana), broadleaved trees
Flying: One generation, May-July
UK Presence: Resident
National status:

Habitat

Woodland, scrub and hedgerows.

Regional Information

Recorded in 1 (0.1%) of the 1900 10km squares of Bulgaria.

Last recorded in July 2012

Recorded date range (Adult): 18 July to 18 July



Larva/Leafmine:
Larva Type:
Hairy
Colours:
Black, yellow, white, grey
No. of Proleg Pairs:
5