For Anyone Interested in the Wildlife of the U.K.
Swallow Prominent Moths
Identify It > Moth Section > Swallow Prominent Moths >
Scientific name: Pheosia tremula
Size: Wingspan up to 56mm
Distribution: Commonly found throughout the UK
Months seen: May to August
Habitat: Woods, meadows and gardens
Food: The caterpillars feed on Willow,Poplar and Aspen
Special features: Swallow Prominent moths have cream coloured forewings with a black and tan coloured band running along the inner edge. At the trailing edge of the forewings there is a narrow white line which cuts through the darker band and terminates about half way along the wing.
There is a very similar species called the Lesser Swallow Prominent, which as its name suggests is slightly smaller. In the Lesser Swallow Prominent there is a white triangular patch cutting through the black and tan line.
Both the Swallow Prominent and the Lesser Swallow Prominent are attracted to light at night.
The green caterpillars can be found between July and September. They spend the winter underground in the pupal stage.
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