Poplar Kitten
Common NamePoplar Kitten
Scientific NameFurcula bifida
FamilyNotodontidae
SubfamilyNotodontinae
Wingspan (mm)40
Primary Colorsgrey, white, black, yellow
HabitatWoodlands, fens, riverbanks, and areas with poplar and willow trees
Geographic RangeEurope, parts of Russia, and Turkey
Host PlantsPopulus tremula, Populus nigra, Salix caprea, Salix cinerea
Flight PeriodMay to August
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesEggs are laid on host plant leaves. The larvae are green with a distinctive saddle-like marking and two 'tails', pupating in a tough cocoon on the bark of the host plant.
Identification TipsDistinguished from the similar Sallow Kitten (*Furcula furcula*) by the broader, more continuous black central band on the forewings and the more extensive black markings on the thorax.
Description
A medium-sized moth with cryptic grey and white forewings marked by prominent wavy black bands and subtle yellowish-orange accents, and a hairy, grey body.
