December Moth
Poecilocampa populi
This record describes Poecilocampa populi (species). Recorded family: Lasiocampidae. Recorded order: Lepidoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Wingspan 30-45 mm. The makings are fairly constant with a creamy white band across a browny charcoal forewing and also a creamy white head. The female is much larger than the male. Mainly in woodland but also in scrub, hedgerows and gardens. In fact it can be found from October until mid or late December. The larvae feed in spring on a variety of deciduous trees. It is a fairly common species over much of Britain. In a recent survey to determine the status of all macro moths in Britain this species was classified as common.
Wikipedia reference for Poecilocampa populi: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Poecilocampa populi.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Lepidoptera (Butterflies and Moths)
- Superfamily
- Lasiocampoidea
- Family
- Lasiocampidae (Lappet Moths)
- Subfamily
- Poecilocampinae
- Tribe
- Poecilocampiini
- Genus
- Poecilocampa
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
Mainly in woodland but also in scrub, hedgerows and gardens.
Seasonal Activity
In fact it can be found from October until mid or late December.
Diet and Behavior
Life History
The larvae feed in spring on a variety of deciduous trees.
Additional species information
Recorded status
It is a fairly common species over much of Britain. In a recent survey to determine the status of all macro moths in Britain this species was classified as common.
About Butterflies and Moths: the wider group
Order-level background for Lepidoptera, the group containing Poecilocampa populi. Species-specific details appear above.
Group overview
Lepidoptera includes approximately 180,000 described species of butterflies and moths. Moths outnumber butterflies roughly 10:1. The monarch butterfly's eastern population has declined by more than 80% since the mid-1990s, and the western population by over 95% since the 1980s. The IUCN lists the migratory monarch as Vulnerable.
Ecological role of the group
Butterflies and moths are essential indicators of ecosystem health. As caterpillars, they are a primary food source for birds - a single nest of blue tit chicks requires ~10,000 caterpillars. Adult moths pollinate many night-blooming plants.
Economic and practical significance of the group
Lepidoptera are critical pollinators. In Europe, grassland butterfly species have declined by almost 50% since the early 1990s. In the UK, three-quarters of butterflies are in decline. In the U.S., five butterfly species have gone extinct since 1950, with 29 listed as endangered.
Recorded sources for this group: IUCN Red List, Xerces Society, USFWS, PNAS, WWF. Imported estimates may describe particular regions or reporting periods.
Photos of December Moth (10)
Frequently Asked Questions About December Moth
What is December Moth?
December Moth (Poecilocampa populi) is a species in the family Lasiocampidae, within the order Lepidoptera.
Where is December Moth found?
Habitat: Mainly in woodland but also in scrub, hedgerows and gardens.
When is December Moth active?
December Moth: seasonal activity - In fact it can be found from October until mid or late December..
What is the life cycle of a December Moth?
The larvae feed in spring on a variety of deciduous trees.