Great Prominent
Common NameGreat Prominent
Scientific NamePtilodon capucina
FamilyNotodontidae
SubfamilyNotodontinae
Wingspan (mm)47.5
Wing Patterncryptic
Primary Colorsgrey, brown, white
HabitatDeciduous woodlands, forests, parks, gardens
Geographic RangeEurope, temperate Asia, North Africa (Palearctic ecozone)
Host Plantsoak, birch, hazel, willow, aspen, lime, alder, beech
Flight PeriodMay to June, July to September
Flight Stylefluttering
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesEggs are laid on host plant leaves. Caterpillars are green with yellow stripes and a reddish-brown head, often with a humped back, feeding from summer to autumn before pupating in the soil or leaf litter.
Identification TipsKey features include the prominent tuft on the hind margin of the forewing, the cryptic grey-brown forewing coloration, and the pale hindwings, often held tent-like over the body at rest.
Description
A medium-sized moth with mottled grey-brown forewings featuring a distinctive raised tuft or 'prominence' on the hind margin, and pale whitish hindwings.
