Pale Prominent
Common NamePale Prominent
Scientific NamePterostoma palpina
FamilyNotodontidae
SubfamilyNotodontinae
Wingspan (mm)42
Wing Patterncryptic
Primary Colorsbrown, grey, black
HabitatWoodlands, parks, gardens, riverbanks
Geographic RangeEurope, North Africa, temperate Asia
Host PlantsPopulus, Salix
Flight PeriodMay to August (two generations)
Flight Stylefluttering
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesEggs are laid on host plant leaves. Larvae are green with yellow stripes and a prominent 'tail' horn, feeding on leaves before pupating in a cocoon in the soil or leaf litter.
Identification TipsKey features include the pale, mottled brown forewings with wavy dark lines, the strongly scalloped hind margin of the forewing, and the prominent tuft of scales on the thorax. It often rests with wings held roof-like, mimicking a broken twig.
Description
A medium-sized moth with pale brown and grey mottled forewings, featuring wavy dark lines and a distinctively scalloped hind margin. Its robust, hairy body and prominent thoracic tuft contribute to its cryptic, bark-like appearance.
