Fox Moth
Macrothylacia rubi
This record describes Macrothylacia rubi (species). Recorded family: Lasiocampidae. Recorded order: Lepidoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Wingspan 40 to 65 mm. The males of the Fox Moth are generally more reddish-brown than the females, which are slightly larger and greyer. Good photographs and/or the specimen required. Its preferred habitats are open woodland, moors and commons. May and June. The males fly in the afternoon, whereas the females tend to fly only at night. The caterpillar is covered with blackish and tawny-coloured hairs and feeds on Heather and Bramble amongst others. The species is well distributed over much of Britain, and common in places. In a recent survey to determine the status of all macro moths in Britain this species was classified as common. Generally rare or in rapid decline in VC55. No additional images available for this species.
Wikipedia reference for Macrothylacia rubi: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Macrothylacia rubi.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Lepidoptera (Butterflies and Moths)
- Superfamily
- Lasiocampoidea
- Family
- Lasiocampidae (Lappet Moths)
- Subfamily
- Lasiocampinae
- Genus
- Macrothylacia
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
Its preferred habitats are open woodland, moors and commons.
Seasonal Activity
May and June. The males fly in the afternoon, whereas the females tend to fly only at night.
Diet and Behavior
Life History
The caterpillar is covered with blackish and tawny-coloured hairs and feeds on Heather and Bramble amongst others.
Additional species information
Recorded status
The species is well distributed over much of Britain, and common in places. 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 Macrothylacia rubi. 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 Fox Moth (9)
Frequently Asked Questions About Fox Moth
What is Fox Moth?
Fox Moth (Macrothylacia rubi) is a species in the family Lasiocampidae, within the order Lepidoptera.
Where is Fox Moth found?
Habitat: Its preferred habitats are open woodland, moors and commons.
When is Fox Moth active?
Fox Moth: seasonal activity - May and June. The males fly in the afternoon, whereas the females tend to fly only at night..
What is the life cycle of a Fox Moth?
The caterpillar is covered with blackish and tawny-coloured hairs and feeds on Heather and Bramble amongst others.