Mottled Prominent
Common NameMottled Prominent
Scientific NameLophopteryx capucina
FamilyNotodontidae
SubfamilyNotodontinae
Wingspan (mm)40
Wing Patterncryptic
Primary Colorsgrey, brown, green, black
HabitatWoodlands, hedgerows, gardens, parks
Geographic RangeEurope, North Africa, parts of Asia
Host Plantsoak, birch, willow, elm, hazel
Flight PeriodMay to June, July to September
Flight Stylefluttering
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesEggs are laid on the leaves of host trees. Larvae are green with a reddish dorsal stripe and two prominent points at the rear, feeding on leaves before pupating in a cocoon in leaf litter or soil.
Identification TipsKey features include the prominent 'capuchin' cowl-like tuft on the thorax, the mottled grey-green-brown forewings with wavy lines, and its typical resting posture with wings folded tent-like.
Description
A medium-sized moth with mottled grey-brown and green forewings, featuring a distinctive raised tuft on the thorax and wavy transverse lines, giving it a cryptic appearance.
