Sallow Kitten
Common NameSallow Kitten
Scientific NameFurcula furcula
FamilyNotodontidae
SubfamilyNotodontinae
Wingspan (mm)33
Wing Patterncryptic
Primary Colorsgrey, white, black, orange
HabitatWoodlands, hedgerows, gardens, riverbanks
Geographic RangeEurope, North Africa, parts of Asia
Host Plantswillow, poplar, aspen
Flight PeriodMay to August (bivoltine)
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesLarvae are green with a humped back and two distinctive 'tails' (modified anal prolegs), feeding on willow and poplar leaves. Pupation occurs in a tough cocoon on the host plant or nearby.
Identification TipsLook for the mottled grey forewings with a distinct black and orange/yellow band near the base, and a row of black dots along the outer margin. The stout, furry body is also characteristic of 'kitten' moths.
Description
A small to medium-sized moth with mottled grey and white forewings, featuring a prominent black and orange/yellow band across the thorax and basal part of the wings. The abdomen is white with black bands.
