72.016 BF2027

Dark Tussock Dicallomera fascelina

(Linnaeus, 1758)

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Wingspan 35-45 mm.

Primarily a moorland and coastal species, inhabiting heathland, sand-hills and shingle beaches, it is distributed in southern England, parts of northern England and central Scotland. It also occurs in parts of Ireland.

The moths are on the wing in July and August, when they are attracted to light.

The larvae are very hairy and have five 'tussocks' of dense hairs along the back, and another at the tail end. They feed on a number of plants and trees including heather (Calluna) and broom (Cytisus scoparia).