Fox Moth

Macrothylacia rubi Photo

 

Forewing Length: 22-32mm 

Description
This large brown moth has two thin cream cross bars on the forewing. Only the males fly during the day. Their rapid flight is close to the ground as they search for females. 

Flight Period
Single-brooded, late May to June. 

Larval Food plants
Salad Burnet, Meadowsweet, Brambles, Heathers, Bilberry. 

Habitat
Downland, heathland, open common land and open woodland. 

Wiltshire Status
Widespread and sometimes common.