72.009 BF2031

White Satin Moth Leucoma salicis

(Linnaeus, 1758)

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Wingspan 37-50 mm.

The glossy surface of the wings gives rise to this moth's English name. The female is larger than the male.

It is distributed widely in England and Wales, but commonest in the south. It is also a sporadic migrant, which is thought to explain the origin of several northern records.

The colourful larvae are covered with white heart-shaped blotches, and feed on sallow (Salix) and various poplars (Populus).