Notodontidae: Cerurinae

1998 (ABH71.007) Poplar Kitten Furcula bifida, (Brahm, 1787)

KR08710

Great Staughton, May 2012
Great Staughton, May 2012
 Photo © Peter Bissell
Great Staughton, May 2012
 Photo © Peter Bissell
 pre-2000
 2000-2009
 2010-2019
 2020-onwards
Great Staughton, May 2012
Great Staughton, May 2012
 Photo © Peter Bissell
Great Staughton, May 2012
Great Staughton, May 2012
 Photo © Peter Bissell
 Photo © Barry Dickerson
 Photo © Barry Dickerson
Earith
Earith
 Photo © David Griffiths
Hemingford Grey, April 2007
Hemingford Grey, April 2007
 Photo © Nick Greatorex-Davies
Hemingford Grey, 8th May 2018. 15w ALS Actinic trap.
Hemingford Grey, 8th May 2018. 15w ALS Actinic trap.
 Photo © Nick Greatorex-Davies
Hemingford Grey, 19th July 2020.. 4th instar.
Hemingford Grey, 19th July 2020.. 4th instar.
 Photo © Nick Greatorex-Davies
Hemingford Grey, 19th July 2020.. final instar. (pic 23/7)
Hemingford Grey, 19th July 2020.. final instar. (pic 23/7)
 Photo © Nick Greatorex-Davies
Hemingford Grey, 19th July 2020.. final instar. (pic 25/7)
Hemingford Grey, 19th July 2020.. final instar. (pic 25/7)
 Photo © Nick Greatorex-Davies


General Information

This species is usually larger than the similar Sallow Kitten.

 

Pupates in a hard cocoon incorporating macerated wood on the food plant.

Overwinters as Overwinters as a pupa.
Both sexes come to light.

Forewing length: 16-22mm.
Foodplant(s): poplars (Populus spp.), Aspen (Populus tremula), willows (Salix spp.)
Flying: One generation, late May-July
UK Presence: Resident
National status: Local

Habitat

Poplar plantations and woodland.

Regional Information

Recorded in 33 (12.2%) of the 270 2km squares of Huntingdonshire.

Last recorded in August 2024

Recorded date range (Adult): 11 April to 11 August

Recorded date range (Larva/Leafmine): 11 July to 19 July

Similar Species
Carmarthenshire
Carmarthenshire
 Photo © Martin Lovell
Alder Kitten Furcula bicuspis
Great Staughton
Great Staughton
 Photo © Peter Bissell
Sallow Kitten Furcula furcula

Local
Larva/Leafmine:
Larva Type:
With lumps, bumps or horn(s)
Colours:
Green, brown, yellow, white
No. of Proleg Pairs:
4