Herald Moth
Common NameHerald Moth
Scientific NameScoliopteryx libatrix
FamilyErebidae
SubfamilyCalpinae
Wingspan (mm)45
Primary Colorsorange, brown, grey
HabitatWoodlands, gardens, parks, riverbanks, often near sallows and willows
Geographic RangeHolarctic (Europe, Asia, North America)
Host Plantswillow, poplar, aspen, sallow
Flight PeriodJuly to October (first generation), March to May (overwintered adults)
Flight Stylefluttering
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesOverwinters as an adult in sheltered locations like caves or cellars. Larvae are green with a white stripe, feeding on host plants, and pupate in a cocoon among leaves.
Identification TipsKey features include the scalloped outer margin of the forewings, the bright orange-brown central band, and the small white spots on the forewings. Often rests with wings held tent-like.
Description
A medium-sized moth with distinctively scalloped forewings. The forewings are mottled brown and grey with a prominent, irregular orange-brown band across the middle, marked with a few small white spots.
