Ptilodon capucina (Linnaeus, 1758)

Description: Wingspan 40-50mm. The adults are reddish-brown and bear a close resemblance to a withered leaf when they resting amongst vegetation. The forewing is reddish-brown, with scalloped side margins and three dark crosslines. The hindwing is light, ochreous-brown with dark anal patches and lunules.

Key Identification Features:

• Resembles a withered leaf when at rest
• Thoracic Crest
• Scalloped edges to the forewings
• Dark crosslines
• Discal lunule or mark on the hindwing

Sets:

Flight Period: The latter half of May to mid-August.

Status: A common species found frequently in southern counties but relatively local north of Lough Neagh.

Ecology: This unusually-shaped moth can be found in a variety of habitats including woodland, bogs, and some suburban gardens where the foodplants are nearby. Adults are seldom, if ever, encountered by day, but come frequently to light in small numbers. The larvae can be found from June until August on birch Betula spp., Hazel Corylus avellana, Alder Alnus glutinosa, oak Quercus spp. and possibly other trees. It overwinters as a pupa

World Distribution: Throughout Europe as far east as Japan.

Bradley & Fletcher number: 2008 Agassiz number: 71.021

Additional information:

UK Moths account

Caterpillar: