Fox Moth (Male)

• Latin name: Macrothylacia rubi
• Family group: Eggars (Lasiocampids)
• Countries: England, Scotland, Wales, Ireland
• Size: Large

Resident

This moth is named after its colouration; males are usually foxy-red/brown and females grey-brown.  However, moths from cooler upland areas tend to be darker and less red than those from southern areas.  Females are larger with considerably longer forewings and lack the feathered antennae of the males.  This moth can be distinguished from similar species by the absence of a central white spot on the forewing.

Widely distributed throughout most of the British Isles except Orkney and Shetland. 

The male flies rapidly on sunny afternoons just above the ground searching for females which are nocturnal.

Conservation status

• UK Biodiversity Action Plan: Not listed
• UK status: Common

European/world range

Widely distributed throughout Europe, from Spain to Eastern Europe and north to Scandinavia.

Caterpillar foodplants

Feeds on heathers, Bilberry and Creeping Willow on moors and heaths, Bramble and Meadowsweet in wet habitats and Salad Burnet on downland.

Habitat

Frequents a variety of grassland habitats including moorland, downland, damp meadows, sand dunes and open woodland.