72.01 BF2033

Black Arches Lymantria monacha

(Linnaeus, 1758)

Wingspan 30-50 mm.

This attractive black and white species often shows traces of bright pink on the body, especially the abdomen, which however is normally concealed when at rest.

The males, which can be attracted to light, are smaller than the females, but have very large, feathery antennae.

Distributed mainly throughout the southern half of Britain, chiefly in woodland habitats, the adults fly in July and August.

The larvae feed in the spring, usually on oak (Quercus), but sometimes on coniferous trees.