Three-humped Prominent
Common NameThree-humped Prominent
Scientific NameNotodonta tritophus
FamilyNotodontidae
SubfamilyNotodontinae
Wingspan (mm)43
Wing Patterncryptic
Primary Colorsdark grey, black, brown, white
HabitatDeciduous woodlands, parks, gardens
Geographic RangeEurope, North Africa, parts of Asia
Host PlantsPopulus, Betula, Quercus, Salix
Flight PeriodMay to September (bivoltine)
Flight Styledarting
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesOverwinters as a pupa in a cocoon underground or in leaf litter. Larvae feed on the leaves of various deciduous trees.
Identification TipsLook for the distinctive 'three humps' formed by thoracic tufts and a prominent tuft on the inner margin of the forewing. The mottled grey-brown cryptic pattern with a dark central band and pale subterminal line on the forewings are also key features.
Description
A medium-sized moth with a robust, hairy body and cryptically patterned forewings in shades of dark grey, black, brown, and white. It is characterized by prominent raised tufts on the thorax and inner margin of the forewing, giving it a 'humped' appearance.
