73.328 BF2098

The Flame Axylia putris

(Linnaeus, 1761)

Wingspan 27-32 mm.

A common species over most of Britain, except in the far north where it is more local.

The adults rest with the wings wrapped around the body and closely resemble a broken piece of twig.

It inhabits woodland fringes, hedgerows and suburban habitats, and flies mainly in June and July, sometimes with a partial second generation in the autumn.

The caterpillars feed at night on various low-growing herbaceous plants, including dock (Rumex) and bedstraw (Galium).