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Buff-tip
Phalera bucephala (Linnaeus, 1758)
Notodontidae: Phalerinae
1994 / 71.025
Photo © Matthew Casey,  20/05/2020 - Hethersett

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Similar Species: None
Forewing: M 22-26mm. F 26-34mm.
Flight: One generation May-July.
Foodplant:   Broadleaved trees. Birches, sallows, oaks, Hazel.
Red List: Least Concern (LC)
GB Status: Common
Verification Grade:  Adult: 1
Status
This is an unusual and striking moth with a large pale cream blotch on each wing tip.
The species creates the illusion it is just a dead and peeling piece of birch or oak stem when at rest, so fooling its predators into thinking it is not edible!

Know as the Moon Bird in Germany.

Recorded in 67 (91%) of 74 10k Squares.
First Recorded in 1834.
Last Recorded in 2025.
Additional Stats

Latest 10 Records
Date#VC10kArea
21/05/2025128TF70Cockley Cley
21/05/2025328TF63Dersingham
21/05/2025127TG20Norwich (Earlham)
21/05/2025227TG11Horsford
21/05/2025128TL99Rockland St Peter
21/05/2025227TG31Upton
21/05/2025428TF62Sandringham
21/05/2025227TG13Hempstead
20/05/2025428TF63Dersingham
20/05/2025128TF90Watton
Further info: Phalera bucephala
 
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