Maps updated: April 2008

Xylocampa areola (Esper, 1789)

Description: Wingspan 32-40 mm. Forewings are variable in colour, light to dark grey. Some individuals have a slight pinkish tinge to the forewings. These are commonly referred to as ab. rosea. There is a small black basal streak and scattered darker patches across the forewing. The subterminal line is generally grey and irregular. Hindwings are whitish grey with a small discal spot.

Key Identification Features:

• Early flight period
• Black basal streak on forewings
• Pinkish tinge in some individuals
• White coloured hindwings

Sets:

Flight Period: Late February to the end of April.

Status: Common and widespread in south eastern counties with a few recent records from south Fermanagh.

Ecology: An early spring species found in a variety of habitats including woodland, hedgerows and gardens. Adults come frequently to light and will also visit willow Salix spp. catkins. The adults rest by day on the trunks of trees, fence posts and rocks. The larvae feed from April until June on Honeysuckle Lonicera periclymenum. It overwinters as a pupa.

World Distribution: Throughout western Europe from Spain to Denmark.

Caterpillar: