poplar sober
Common Namepoplar sober
Scientific NameParacossus terebra
FamilyCossidae
SubfamilyCossinae
Wingspan (mm)45
Wing Patterncryptic
Primary Colorsgrey, white, black
HabitatDeciduous woodlands, riverine forests, parks, gardens
Geographic RangeEurope, parts of Asia (Siberia, Kazakhstan, Mongolia, China)
Host PlantsPopulus, Salix
Flight PeriodJune to August
Flight Stylefluttering
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesLarvae are wood-borers, living for 2-3 years inside the trunks and branches of poplar and willow trees before pupating within the wood.
Identification TipsKey features include its relatively large size for a wood-boring moth, stout body, and the distinctive mottled grey and white cryptic pattern on the forewings. Males have bipectinate antennae.
Description
A medium-sized moth with a stout body and forewings cryptically patterned in mottled grey, white, and black, providing excellent camouflage against tree bark.
