70.245 BF1663

March Moth Alsophila aescularia

([Denis & Schiffermüller], 1775)

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Wingspan 25-35 mm.

This is one of a few species of moth where the female is apterous, or wingless. The male has a distinctive way of resting, with the wings overlapping.

Occurring in March and April, when the females may be found crawling on tree-trunks at night, and the males can be attracted to light.

It is fairly well distributed over most of Britain and reasonably common. The pale green larvae feed on a range of deciduous trees, including hawthorn (Crataegus), oak (Quercus) and fruit trees.