Description

Wingspan 30 to 40 mm. A variable moth, only the male with wings, that can be strongly marked in ragged bars of dark brown on pale grey or more delicately marked in buffs and fawns. The females are without wings. The caterpillar rears up and waves its head at you when disturbed.

Habitat

Woods, woodland edge, hedgerows, scrub and gardens. The larvae feed on a wide variety of broad-leaved trees.

Status and distribution

Common and widespread throughout most of Britain, slightly less common in the northern half of Scotland. Common in Nottinghamshire and at Netherfield Lagoons.

Best time to see

October to January.