Apoda limacodes

Apoda limacodes
adult
caterpillar
Scientific classification Edit this classification
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Arthropoda
Class: Insecta
Order: Lepidoptera
Family: Limacodidae
Genus: Apoda
Species:
A. limacodes
Binomial name
Apoda limacodes
(Hufnagel, 1766)[1]

Apoda limacodes, also known as the festoon,[2] is a species of moth of the family Limacodidae.

Distribution

The moth is found in most of Europe.[3] Within Great Britain, the species is scarce.[2]

Description

Adults have a wingspan of 24–28 mm, with male specimens generally slightly smaller and darker than females.[2] It is primarily nocturnal, but it will occasionally fly in the daytime. The moth usually flies between June and July.[1]

  • ♂
    ♂
  • ♂ △
    ♂ △

Biology

The festoon mainly inhabits thick woodlands. The larvae are known to feed on oak and beech.[1]

Life cycle and behaviour The larva is small and grub-like. After storms, caterpillars are often observed in large numbers between August and October. Cocoons are not attached, but overwinter and pupate in the spring.[1]

References

  1. ^ a b c d Wagner, Wolfgang. "European Lepidoptera and their ecology: Apoda limacodes". www.pyrgus.de. Retrieved 30 August 2022.
  2. ^ a b c Kimber, Ian. "The Festoon | UKmoths". ukmoths.org.uk. Retrieved 30 August 2022.
  3. ^ Karsholt, Ole. "PESI portal - Apoda limacodes (Hufnagel, 1766)". www.eu-nomen.eu. Retrieved 30 August 2022.
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