72.010 BF2033 - Black Arches - Erebidae - Lymantria monacha

72.010 BF2033 - Erebidae - Xyleninae - Lymantria monacha - Black Arches

Adult Macro: CAT 1 - Distinctive species unlikely to be confused with others -

- click for Adult Macro Verification Guidelines

- Rare / Uncommon / Scarce

Taxonomy: Macro >> Erebidae

ID Difficulty: green

- easy to identify, generally distinctive and unlikely to be confused with other species.

ID pointers: A fairly distinctive all white moth with numerous black jagged marks, cross-lines & patterning across the wings, with pink bands on the abdomen. A bold black central crescent in the forewing which is where the moth gets its name.

Distribution: (First record: August 1977 at Matlock ) - (Last record: 2023 ) - Another one trapped at Robin Wood in South Derbyshire in 2008 and then one at Darley Dale in 2009 and now this one at Kings Newton 21st August 2013. Another specimen trapped in an Allestree garden on 29th July 2022 by Stephen Plant. Several trapped at Staunton Harold Reservoir, 15th August 2023, and another at Elvaston Castle CP on 19th August 2023. This moth is now being recorded, in small numbers, from a wide range of sites, particularly across the south of the county.

Flight Period: July / August / - On the wing July – August

Moth Activity: Nocturnal

Wingspan: 30-50mm
Forewing: 18-28mm

Food Plant: Oak (Quercus), but sometimes on coniferous trees.

Last Recorded Year: 2023

Last Recorded By: Not Recorded

Last Recorded General Area: Not Recorded

First Recorded Year: August 1977

IMAGES BELOW: Kings Newton, Derbyshire – Tony Davison © – Allestree – Stephen Plant ©