General comments:
Widespread resident in Hertfordshire; Very Local and scarce inMiddlesex.

Beech is the main foodplant, and most moths are caught in beech woods or in woods where the trap is placed close to beech trees. Isolated, mature beech trees, such as those in some churchyards and larger gardens are equally capable of supporting the moth, but beech hedges, which are popular in some parts of Hertfordshire, apparently are not. It should be noted that adults may move some distance and arrive in garden traps away from areas where they breed. The distinctive caterpillar is what gives the moth its vernacular name, but they are evidently rather hard to find and perhaps prefer the higher branches of host trees.

Recorded in 27 (66%) of 41 10k Squares. First Recorded in 1887. Last Recorded in 2023. Additional Stats

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