Poplar grey
| Poplar grey | |
|---|---|
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| Scientific classification | |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Arthropoda |
| Class: | Insecta |
| Order: | Lepidoptera |
| Family: | Noctuidae |
| Genus: | Acronicta |
| Species: | A. megacephala |
| Binomial name | |
| Acronicta megacephala Schiffermüller, 1776 | |
The poplar grey (Acronicta megacephala) is a moth of the family Noctuidae. It is found throughout Europe.
Caterpillar
This species has dark grey forewings mottled with black and marked with pale stigmata, and white hindwings. Melanic forms sometimes occur. The wingspan is 40–45 mm. This moth flies at night from May to August and is attracted to light and sugar.
The hairy larva is grey with black and red markings and a white patch towards the rear. It feeds on poplars and willows and sometimes on grey alder. The species overwinters as a pupa.
- ^ The flight season refers to the British Isles. This may vary in other parts of the range.
References
- Chinery, Michael Collins Guide to the Insects of Britain and Western Europe 1986 (reprinted 1991)
- Skinner, Bernard Colour Identification Guide to Moths of the British Isles 1984
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