Notodontidae: Phalerinae

1994 (ABH71.025) Buff-tip Phalera bucephala, (Linnaeus, 1758)

KR08750

 Photo © Peter Bissell
Buff-tip
 Photo © Peter Bissell
 pre-2000
 2000-2009
 2010-2019
 2020-onwards
 Photo © Peter Bissell
Coed y Llechau Llanbedr
Coed y Llechau Llanbedr
 Photo © Nick Greatorex-Davies
Hemingford Grey, 2nd June 2007.
Hemingford Grey, 2nd June 2007.
 Photo © Nick Greatorex-Davies
Monks Wood
Monks Wood
 Photo © Nick Greatorex-Davies
Monks Wood, 25th July 2007.
Monks Wood, 25th July 2007.
 Photo © Nick Greatorex-Davies
Cambridge
Cambridge
 Photo © Nick Greatorex-Davies
Monks Wood
Monks Wood
 Photo © Nick Greatorex-Davies
Brampton Wood
Brampton Wood
 Photo © Peter Bissell


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: Common

Habitat

Woodland, scrub and hedgerows.

Regional Information

Recorded in 127 (47%) of the 270 2km squares of Huntingdonshire.

Last recorded in May 2024

Recorded date range (Adult): 03 April to 27 August

Recorded date range (Larva/Leafmine): 28 June to 28 September



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