Achlya flavicornis (Linnaeus, 1758)

Description: Wingspan 39-44mm. Adults are generally grey although some specimens particularly those in parts of Fermanagh have a greenish-grey appearance. The forewings have a series of medial lines with a reniform stigma close to the costa.

Sets:

Flight Period: Beginning of March to mid-April.

Status: This species was originally thought to be very localised. However following targeted trapping effort during its short spring flight period it has been shown to be more widespread than previously thought. It is frequently recorded from well known sites such as Peatlands, Brackagh and Selshion Moss in Armagh. Elsewhere its distribution is scattered. In Down it has been recorded at Lackan Bog and Murlough NNR. In the west it is commonly encountered at Crom Estate and Garvary Wood Fermanagh and Rehaghy Mountain Tyrone. All these sites have an abundance of birch and it is likely it is present in other birch woodlands especially in the west

Ecology: An early spring species normally associated with birch woodland and found frequently at light in moderate numbers. The adults rest on the branches and trunks of the foodplant during the day and visit sallow blossom after dark. The larvae feed on birch and remain concealed during the day between a leaf. It spends the winter months in the pupal stage inside a cocoon spun among leaves and ground vegetation.

Bradley & Fletcher number: 1659 Agassiz number: 65.016

Additional information:

UK Moths account

Caterpillar: