Phalera bucephala ♂
The buff-tip (Phalera bucephala) is a moth of the family Notodontidae. It is found throughout Europe, Mongolia.

This is a fairly large, heavy-bodied species with a wingspan of 55–68 mm. The forewings are grey with a large prominent buff patch at the apex. As the thoracic hair is also buff, the moth resembles a broken twig when at rest. The hindwings are creamy-white. This moth flies at night in June and July and sometimes comes to light, although it is not generally strongly attracted.

The young larvae are gregarious, becoming solitary later. The older larva is very striking, black with white and yellow lines. It feeds on many trees and shrubs (see list below). The species overwinters as a pupa.

^ The flight season refers to the British Isles. This may vary in other parts of the range.
Recorded food plants

For details see Robinson, G. S., P. R. Ackery, I. J. Kitching, G. W. Beccaloni & L. M. Hernández, 2010.

Acer - Norway maple
Betula - Birch
Corylus - Hazel
Laburnum
Populus - Poplar
Prunus
Quercus - Oak
Robinia
Rosa - Rose
Salix - Willow
Tilia - Lime
Ulmus - Elm
Viburnum
^ "Robinson, G. S., P. R. Ackery, I. J. Kitching, G. W. Beccaloni & L. M. Hernández, 2010. HOSTS - A Database of the World's Lepidopteran Hostplants. Natural History Museum, London.".
Subspecies

P. b. bucephala
P. b. tenebrata

Eggs


Caterpillar


Adult in profile


Adult back


Adult front


Illustration from John Curtis's British Entomology Volume 5


Habitat