INSECTS

LEPIDOPTERA / NOTODONTIDAE [71]

The Notodontidae family contains the Prominent, Kitten and Processionary moths. There are over 2,500 species in this family of which 21 are established in Britain.

71.001 Oak Processionary adults are on the wing from July to September. The hairs of the larvae can cause severe symptoms so contact with them should be avoided. The larvae feed on oak.

71.003 Puss Moth is on the wing from May to July. Their caterpillars (up to 65mm long) are seen from July to September feeding on Poplar and Willow usually low down on saplings. When ready to pupate the caterpillar makes a tough cocoon from chewed wood and silk. If disturbed by a predator the caterpillars raise the head and wave extendable pinkish flagellae from their twin tails. If this warning is ignored the caterpillar is able to squirt formic acid from a slit under the mouth as a defensive measure.

71.012 Iron Prominent is on the wing from May until August. Its greenish hump-backed larvae feed mainly on Birch and Alder trees. Maximum wingspan 40mm.

71.013 Pebble Prominent frequents scrub, woodland and grassland habitats. Its larvae feed on poplars, aspens, willows and sallows.

71.017 Swallow Prominent flies in two generations from April until June and in August. The larvae feed on aspen, poplars, sallows and willows.

71.025 Buff-tip can be mistaken for a birch twig when at rest by which means it fools predators to leave it alone. It flies from May to July. Larval foodplants include Oak, Birch, Sallow and Hazel.