Nut Tree Tussock (Colocasia coryli)

The Nut Tree Tussock moth is a moth that is frequently found in the moth trap. It is usual to put egg boxes in the trap for the moths to hide under until released and, being a bit short of egg boxes, I had to use this green one printing all over it which rather detracts from the beauty of the moth itself!

This is an intricately patterned moth with a predominately silver background and with a striking band across the fore wings. It also has a little crest on its head which gives it a rather unique look.

It has two broods here in the south and so adults are on the wing from as early as April right through until September so it can crop up any almost any time in the summer.

It is very much a woodland species and not uncommon in southern England but it helps if you live near to a piece of woodland if you are going to get this in a trap in your garden.

The larvae feed on Beech, Hazel, Field Maple and Horndeam hence its affinity to woodland. It over winters as a pupa which accounts for emergence early in the spring.

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