SCIENTIFIC NAME: STAUROPUS FAGI
VERNACULAR NAME: LOBSTER MOTH

Fig 1
ADULT Wingspan 45-65mm.  A large moth that appears, and is indeed, quite hirsute. The main pattern of the wing is nebulous and the colour varies from brown to green to grey. The russet brown along the trailing edge of the forewing is quite distinctive.
CHRYSALIS Overwinters as a pupa within dead leaves or soil.
LARVA June to September on a variety of trees including birch, hazel and beech. The large head, large thoracic legs and various humps and bumps give the appearance of a crustacean-like creature hence the moths name.
BEHAVIOUR Attracted to light.
HABITAT Woodland habitats and highly vegetated coastal areas.
FLIGHT PERIOD Single brooded.  May to July.
STATUS Resident.  Uncommon.

Back to Gallery