Phalera bucephala

Buff-tip
Buff-tip moth
Scientific classification
Kingdom:	Animalia
Phylum:	Arthropoda
Class:	Insecta
Order:	Lepidoptera
Family:	Notodontidae
Genus:	Phalera
Species:	P. bucephala
Binomial name
Phalera bucephala (Linnaeus, 1758)

The buff-tip (Phalera bucephala) is a moth of the family Notodontidae. It is found throughout Europe, Mongolia.

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 (see list below). The species overwinters as a pupa.

For details see Robinson, G. S., P. R. Ackery, I. J. Kitching, G. W. Beccaloni & L. M. Hernández, 2010.

Eggs

Caterpillar

Adult in profile

Adult back

Adult front

Illustration from John Curtis's British Entomology Volume 5

Habitat

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