December Moth

Poecilocampa populi

Photo © Andy Mitchell

December Moth

Poecilocampa populi

Photo © Andy Mitchell



Poecilocampa populi, the December moth, is a moth of the family Lasiocampidae.

Description

The wingspan is 35–45 millimetres (1.4–1.8 in). The moth flies from October to December depending on the location.

The larvae feed on various deciduous trees, such as oak, poplar and lime (Tilia).

It is considered a pest insect, as the larvae will eat apple and plum trees.

Distribution

It is found in Europe, Northern Asia and Japan.

Source: Wikipedia

Foodplants

The primary larval foodplants are Alder (Alnus glutinosa), Ash (Fraxinus excelsior), Aspen (Populus tremula), birches (Betula spp.), Blackthorn (Prunus spinosa), elms (Ulmus spp.), Hawthorn (Crataegus monogyna), limes (Tilia spp.), oaks (Quercus spp.), poplars (Populus spp.) and willows (Salix spp.).