Cossidae: Zeuzerinae

0161 (ABH50.002) Leopard Moth Zeuzera pyrina, (Linnaeus, 1761)

KR04176

Earith
Earith
 Photo © David Griffiths
Earith
 Photo © David Griffiths
 pre-2000
 2000-2009
 2010-2019
 2020-onwards
Earith
Earith
 Photo © David Griffiths
Whitelye, Gwent
Whitelye, Gwent
 Photo © Nick Greatorex-Davies
Hemingford Grey. 15th June 2020. Light trap.
Hemingford Grey. 15th June 2020. Light trap.
 Photo © Nick Greatorex-Davies


General Information

This moth has heavy spotting on its whitish wings. Male have a comb-like antennae which is diagnostic.

 

Overwinters two or three times as a larva feeding on stems and branches of trees and shrubs and pupating under the bark.

Overwinters as Overwinters as a larva.
Both sexes readily come to light, sometimes in numbers.

Forewing length: 22-35mm.
Foodplant(s): willows (Salix spp.), Blackthorn (Prunus spinosa), plums (Prunus spp.), cherries (Prunus spp.), hawthorns (Crataegus spp.), Apple (Malus domestica), pears (Pyrus spp.), privets (Ligustrum spp.), Ash (Fraxinus excelsior), elms (Ulmus spp.), oaks (Quercus spp.), Beech (Fagus sylvatica), Wayfaring Tree (Viburnum lantana), honeysuckles (Lonicera spp.), Lilac (Syringa vulgaris), Black Currant (Ribes nigrum), broadleaved shrubs
Flying: One generation, late June-early August
UK Presence: Resident
National status: Common

Habitat

Open woodland, scrub also gardens, orchards and parks.

Regional Information

Recorded in 79 (29.3%) of the 270 2km squares of Huntingdonshire.

Last recorded in July 2023

Recorded date range (Adult): 06 June to 26 August

Similar Species
ex. larva, Paxton Pits
ex. larva, Paxton Pits
 Photo © Peter Bissell
Puss Moth Cerura vinula


Larva/Leafmine:
Larva Type:
Glossy
Colours:
yellow, brown, black
No. of Proleg Pairs:
5