53.001 BF173

The Festoon Apoda limacodes

(Hufnagel, 1766)

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Wingspan 24-28 mm.

This scarce species is restricted to the southern counties of England, mainly from Dorset eastwards to Kent.

It inhabits mature woodland, and although sometimes flying in sunshine, it is normally encountered after dark at light.

The flight period of the adults is during June and July. Females are generally slightly larger and paler than males.

The small, grub-like caterpillar is green, and feeds on oak (Quercus) and beech (Fagus).