December Moth

The forewings are charcoal grey-brown in colour with wavy creamy white markings. The females are much larger than males.

The adults are incapable of feeding. They fly at night and are attracted to light. The caterpillars can be found from April to June feeding at night and resting on twigs or bark during the day before they pupate under bark or among plant debris. They overwinter as eggs on the foodplant.

Size and Family

• Family – Eggar moths (Lasiocampidae)
• Medium Sized
• Wingspan Range – 30-44mm

Conservation status

• UK BAP: Not listed
• Common

Caterpillar Food Plants

Broadleaved trees including oaks, birches, elms, hawthorns, Blackthorn (Prunus spinosa), poplars and sallows

Habitat

Mainly found in woodland but also scrub, hedgerows and established gardens

Distribution

• Countries – England, Wales and Scotland
• Common. Well distributed over much of lowland England, Wales, Scotland and Ireland. Local and rare on Guernsey.