Scarce Vapourer
Common NameScarce Vapourer
Scientific NameOrgyia recens
FamilyErebidae
SubfamilyLymantriinae
Wingspan (mm)27.5
Wing Patternspotted
Primary Colorsbrown, orange, white
HabitatWoodlands, heathland, moorland, fens, bogs
Geographic RangeEurope, parts of Asia
Host Plantsbirch, willow, poplar, oak, bilberry, heather
Flight PeriodMay to July
Flight Stylefluttering
Conservation Statusnear-threatened
Lifecycle NotesEggs are laid on cocoons or host plants. Larvae are hairy with tufts, feeding on a variety of deciduous trees and shrubs. Females are flightless and remain near their cocoons after emergence.
Identification TipsMales are day-flying with strongly bipectinate antennae. They can be distinguished from the common Vapourer by their more pronounced orange markings on the forewings and often a slightly earlier flight period.
Description
A medium-sized, day-flying moth with mottled brown forewings, featuring distinct orange patches and a prominent white spot near the tornus. Its body is densely hairy and brown.
