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Buff-tip Moth

©Tom Marshall

Buff-tip Moth Caterpillars

©Chris Lawrence

Buff-tip moth

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Scientific name: Phalera bucephala
It is so easy to miss this clever little moth. It is a master of disguise, blending in perfectly as it looks just like the twig of a birch tree! Flying only at night, the buff-tip moth can be seen from May to July.

Top facts

Stats

Wingspan: 4.4-6.8cm

Conservation status

Common.

When to see

May to July

About

Blink and you may miss the buff-tip moth, which blends in perfectly with its surroundings, looking just like the twig of a birch tree. A night-flying moth, this amazing creature can be seen between May and July. The caterpillars are big, hairy and yellow with a black head and a ring of short black stripes and often gather together in large numbers.

What to look for

The buff-tip holds its wings against its body and looks remarkably similar to a birch twig. It is mainly silvery-grey in colour, with a square-cut, buffy head, and a buff patch at the end of the wings which gives it the common name.

Where to find

Widespread.

Habitats

Did you know?

When it sits motionless, the colouring, shape and buff-coloured wingtips of the buff-tip moth make it perfectly camouflaged: it looks just like a broken birch twig.