70.247 BF1926

Pale Brindled Beauty Phigalia pilosaria

([Denis & Schiffermüller], 1775)

[Synonyms: Apocheima pilosaria]

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Wingspan 35-40 mm.

The females of this species are completely wingless, or apterous, a feature which is often found in moths which emerge in the winter months.

The males fly from January to March, searching for the females which have climbed up tree-trunks.

The species shows marked melanism, the black form f. monacharia being commoner than the typical form in certain parts.

It is fairly common in England and Wales, and scarcer elsewhere in Britain, and may be found in a wide variety of habitats.

The caterpillars feed in late spring on a number of deciduous trees.