Quick Facts

Scientific name:  Poecilocampa populi

Size:  Wingspan approx 30 - 45mm

Distribution:  Found throughout the UK

Months seen:  October to December

Habitat:  Woodlands, parks and gardens

Food:  Larvae feed on a variety of trees including; oak, birch, lime and hawthorn

Special features:  December moths get their name from the time of year they're most frequently seen flying in the UK.  They can often be seen flying around street lights at night.  The males and females have similar markings however the females are larger.

December moths lay their eggs in late autumn or early winter, but they don't hatch until the following spring, usually around April time.  The hairy caterpillars are active until July.  They're variable in colour.  Some are black with red spots, others are grey with orange/brown diamonds down the back, and some are grey all over.

Related Pages

• UK Safari Moths Section
• Identify other wildlife
• Free Newsletter