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Phalera bucephala

Buff-tip moth

Description

Both larvae and moths are unmistakably coloured. Egg batches of 50 eggs are attached to the underside of the leaves in May-July. The larvae feed gregariously first on the lower leaf epidermis, and then later they devour entire leaves. In fall the fully-grown, 4-6 cm long larvae enter the soil and spend wintertime as pupae. Populations are usually univoltine, but in southern regions bivoltine. The leaves affected by the early instar larvae turn brown. The older larvae can defoliate shoots and twigs, which may result in shoots dying back and trees weakening. Young trees and shrubs are preferred. It occurs in broadleaved forests, plantations, tree nurseries, amenity trees, parks and gardens.

Symptom

Colorful larvae on leaves. 

Tree Species: Elm, Birch, Oak, Maple, Lime, Poplar, Willow

Part of a plant- attacked: Leaf / Needle

Pest significance: Less harmful

Pest Category: Insects

Invasive Species: No

Present in EU: Yes

Seasonal frequency of occurrence

Seasonal frequency of occurrence