Cheshire
Macro-Moths - Pale Tussock
Pale
Tussock - Calliteara pudibunda Linnaeus
Imago / Adult:
The adult moth (imago) varies between 50mm and 70 mm
wingspan. The ground colour is generally whitish with grey markings
giving an overall pale grey appearance though depending upon the extent
of the markings the month can appear almost off white. It is a resident
moth which is single-brooded and normally flies in May and June. A
scarce moth in the Vice-Counties of Cheshire (VC-58) and South Lancashire
(VC-59) which is becoming commoner each year. The moth comes to both
MV and actinic light sources.
Larva:
The larvae, usually 42 to 46mm in length, are of a greenish-yellow
colour with black hairs and with yellow tufts of bristles on the back
between the fourth and seventh segments. There is a black ring between
each of the segments.
Foodplant(s):
The foodplants consist of many species including: Birch,
oak, elm, lime, blackthorn, hops, and other deciduous trees..
Overwintering:
The moth overwinters as a larva within a silk communal
web..