Brimstone Moth - Opisthograptis luteolata
@hispaatra, @zick-the-fairy, @the-ellia-west, @thegalacticidiot a moth you guys might like :DD
On the Left: Adult Brimstone Moth (Picture Taken by Author). On the Right: Brimstone Moth Caterpillar.
Description and Life Cycle
The species has a complex ecology, as it sometimes produces one brood per year, but sometimes three broods in two years. This results in adults being visible on the wing from April to October.
The larva is brown or green with a horn-like structure on its back and feeds on a variety of trees and shrubs. The species, due to its complex life cycle, overwinters either as a larva on the foodplant or as a pupa. As a pupa, the brimstone moth hibernates as a dense cocoon, usually on the ground.
Opisthograptis luteolata has a wingspan of 33 to 46 millimetres. It is unmistakable within its range, with bright yellow wings marked with small chestnut-brown patches on the tips and along the leading edge of the forewings. They also have a small brown-edged white crescent or dash near the leading forewing edge.
Behaviour and Diet
The moth flies from April to October. During this period, it sometimes flies during the day but mainly at night, and is attracted to light.
Larvae of the brimstone moth feed on a range of trees and bushes, including apple, birch, blackthorn, currant, hawthorn, and rowan.
Distribution and Habitat
The brimstone occurs throughout the Palearctic region and Western Asia. Here they can be found in hedgerows, gardens, scrubs and woodlands.
