71.021 BF2008

Coxcomb Prominent Ptilodon capucina

(Linnaeus, 1758)

Wingspan 35-40 mm.

Although quite variable in shades of brown, typically this species is a rich chestnut colour with a tuft of creamy hairs on the thorax. When at rest it is well camouflaged, and if handled, feigns death.

It is fairly common throughout Britain, flying in May and June and again in August.

The green caterpillar feeds on a wide range of deciduous trees, and has the habit of raising the head over the back when alarmed.