Erebidae: Scoliopteryginae

2469 (ABH72.001) Herald Scoliopteryx libatrix, (Linnaeus, 1758)

KR08984

Great Staughton
Great Staughton
 Photo © Peter Bissell
Great Staughton
 Photo © Peter Bissell
 pre-2000
 2000-2009
 2010-2019
 2020-onwards
Great Staughton
Great Staughton
 Photo © Peter Bissell
Great Staughton
Great Staughton
 Photo © Peter Bissell
Monks Wood
Monks Wood
 Photo © Nick Greatorex-Davies
Whitelye, Monmouthshire, 21st April 2022. Light trap.
Whitelye, Monmouthshire, 21st April 2022. Light trap.
 Photo © Nick Greatorex-Davies
Earith
Earith
 Photo © David Griffiths
Earith
Earith
 Photo © David Griffiths
Storrington, West Sussex, 4th May 2018. 15w actinic trap.
Storrington, West Sussex, 4th May 2018. 15w actinic trap.
 Photo © Nick Greatorex-Davies
Whitelye, Monmouthshire, 21st April 2022. Light trap.
Whitelye, Monmouthshire, 21st April 2022. Light trap.
 Photo © Nick Greatorex-Davies
Brampton Wood
Brampton Wood
 Photo © Peter Bissell
Brampton Wood
Brampton Wood
 Photo © Peter Bissell
Hemingford Grey, 5th instar larva, ex Aspen suckers Aug 2015.
Hemingford Grey, 5th instar larva, ex Aspen suckers Aug 2015.
 Photo © Nick Greatorex-Davies


General Information

These attractive moths resemble a shrivelled leaf when resting, and are most commonly encountered during the winter when they can be found hibernating on the ceilings of dark outhouses, porches, cellars and caves. The legs and the underside are spotted with white which looks like the mould formations seen on rotting leaves.

 

In the autumn they visit ivy blossom and ripe blackberries, as well as being attracted to light.

 

Pupates between two leaves.

Overwinters as Overwinters as an adult.
Both sexes come to light but in small numbers only.

Forewing length: 19-23mm.
Foodplant(s): willows (Salix spp.), Aspen (Populus tremula), poplars (Populus spp.)
Flying: One generation, August-November and March-June (hibernates)
UK Presence: Resident
National status: Common

Habitat

Open, broadleaved woodland, hedgerows, scrub, fens and gardens.

Regional Information

Recorded in 96 (35.6%) of the 270 2km squares of Huntingdonshire.

Last recorded in July 2023

Recorded date range (Adult): 03 February to 17 December

Recorded date range (Larva/Leafmine): 07 May to 28 August



Adult:

Larva/Leafmine:
Larva Type:
Smooth
Colours:
Green, yellow, red, orange, pink
No. of Proleg Pairs:
5