December Moth
Common NameDecember Moth
Scientific NamePoecilocampa populi
FamilyLasiocampidae
Wingspan (mm)45
Wing Patternstriped
Primary Colorsdark grey, yellow, black
HabitatWoodlands, parks, gardens, hedgerows
Geographic RangeEurope, parts of Asia
Host Plantsoak, birch, elm, willow, poplar, hawthorn
Flight PeriodNovember to December
Flight Stylefluttering
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesEggs are laid in winter, hatching in spring. Larvae feed on various broadleaf trees and shrubs through spring and early summer, then pupate in a cocoon on the ground. Adults emerge in late autumn and early winter.
Identification TipsLook for its distinctive late flight period (one of the last moths of the year). Males have strongly feathered antennae. The combination of dark wings with wavy yellow lines and an apical yellow patch is characteristic.
Description
A robust, hairy moth with dark greyish-brown forewings marked by wavy yellowish lines and a distinct yellow patch near the apex. The hindwings are plainer dark grey.
