Buff-tip
Common NameBuff-tip
Scientific NamePhalera bucephala
FamilyNotodontidae
SubfamilyPhalerinae
Wingspan (mm)55
Wing Patterncryptic
Primary Colorsgrey, brown, buff, orange
HabitatWoodlands, parks, gardens, hedgerows
Geographic RangeEurope, North Africa, temperate Asia
Host Plantsbirch, oak, hazel, willow, lime, elm, alder
Flight PeriodMay to August
Flight Stylefluttering
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesEggs are laid in batches on host plant leaves. Larvae are gregarious, black and yellow striped, and hairy, feeding openly on leaves before pupating in a cocoon underground.
Identification TipsThe most striking feature is the large, buff-yellow patch at the forewing apex, which, combined with the mottled grey and brown wings and resting posture, makes it perfectly mimic a broken birch twig.
Description
A stout-bodied moth with forewings mottled grey and brown, featuring a distinctive large, buff-yellow patch at the apex, giving it the appearance of a broken twig when at rest.
