Lasiocampidae: Lasiocampidae

1638 (ABH66.008) Fox Moth Macrothylacia rubi, (Linnaeus, 1758)

KR06755

Female, Carmarthenshire
Female, Carmarthenshire
 Photo © Martin Lovell
Female, Carmarthenshire
 Photo © Martin Lovell
 pre-2000
 2000-2009
 2010-2019
 2020-onwards
Male, Carmarthenshire
Male, Carmarthenshire
 Photo © Martin Lovell
Female, Connington Railway, 23rd May 2007.
Female, Connington Railway, 23rd May 2007.
 Photo © Nick Greatorex-Davies
Male, Connington Railway, 23rd May 2007.
Male, Connington Railway, 23rd May 2007.
 Photo © Nick Greatorex-Davies
Connington Railway, 2007
Connington Railway, 2007
 Photo © Nick Greatorex-Davies
Connington Railway, 2007.
Connington Railway, 2007.
 Photo © Nick Greatorex-Davies
Connington Railway, 2007
Connington Railway, 2007
 Photo © Nick Greatorex-Davies


General Information

The males of this species fly in the afternoon but do come to light as well. The females only fly at night and come to light.

 

Pupates in a long cocoon near to the ground.

Overwinters as Overwinters as a larva.
Both sexes readily come to light, sometimes in numbers.
Flies during the day

Forewing length: M 22-26mm. F 26-31mm.
Foodplant(s): Heather (Calluna vulgaris), Bilberry (Vaccinium myrtillus), Creeping Willow (Salix repens), Bramble (Rubus fruticosus), broadleaved plants
Flying: One generation, May-June
UK Presence: Resident
National status: Common

Habitat

Heathland, coastal and other grasslands, fen, open woodland, scrub.

Regional Information

Recorded in 13 (4.8%) of the 270 2km squares of Huntingdonshire.

Last recorded in July 2022

Recorded date range (Adult): 23 May to 09 July

Recorded date range (Larva/Leafmine): 31 July to 31 July



Larva/Leafmine:
Larva Type:
Hairy
Colours:
Brown, yellow, black
No. of Proleg Pairs:
5