66.008 BF1638

Fox Moth Macrothylacia rubi

(Linnaeus, 1758)

Wingspan 40-65 mm.

The males of the Fox Moth are generally more reddish-brown than the females, which are slightly larger and greyer.

The species is well distributed over much of Britain, and common in places. Its habitats include open woodland, moors, grassland and hedgerows.

The caterpillar is covered with blackish and tawny-coloured hairs and feeds on heather (Calluna) and bramble (Rubus), amongst others.

The males fly in the afternoon, whereas the females tend to fly only at night.