Buff-tip Moth (Phalera bucephala)
By tanny
9 comments
This is one of the more common species of British moths although it disguises itself like a twig so is not often seen. The caterpillars after hatching cluster together during the day and spread out in the night to feed. The caterpillars feed on the leaves of various kinds of decideous trees, this group I brought up were found on a Willow tree but when I was a youngster of about twelve I found them at the top of a tall Oak tree. When it’s time to pupate they wander away for some distance before burying themselves into the ground.
After a period of time the moth would emerge from the ground and crawl up any object where it could hang and expand its wings.
My group emerged in three days and it was a successfull hatching with only three failiours.
I took many pictures before they dispersed into the night. Some of them mated before flying away.
4 Dec, 2009
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Comments
Wow how did you get these photos?
4 Dec, 2009
it is a wow factor isnt drc
4 Dec, 2009
Wow and double wow!
4 Dec, 2009
That was interesting .
4 Dec, 2009
Fascinating blog tanny - i just love those 'twigs' !
4 Dec, 2009
I have put it on 'Pests' on Goypeadia because I think its of interest - but that does not seem right!
I have seen twigs in odd places in my garden and thought it odd? but next time I will investigate and see if they really are bits of twig?
4 Dec, 2009
You really do so well with your 'pets', Tanny! 'PETS', Denise, not 'PESTS'!!!!!...LOL. The photos are fantastic, too. :-)))))
4 Dec, 2009
Interesting blog.
5 Dec, 2009
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beautiful .
4 Dec, 2009