Fox Moth (Macrothylacia rubi)
The fox moth is a member of the family of snout moths, named so due to the color of the male’s wings resembling a fox.
butterfly-conservation.org
Scientific Classification
- Family: Lasiocampidae
- Genus: Macrothylacia
- Scientific Name: Macrothylacia rubi
Description and Identification
Caterpillar
They hatch in about three weeks from the eggs being laid. Initially, the larvae are dark brown with orange bands present on their bodies. As they grow older, they develop long brown hair on the side and shorter hair on the top. A mature larva measures 8cm on an average.
live.staticflickr.com
Pupa
Pupation takes place in a cocoon amongst vegetation.
lh3.googleusercontent.com
Adult Moth
Sexual Dimorphism: Present. Males have reddish-brown wings while in the females it is of a pale gray coloration. Also, the females are slightly larger than males.
Color and Appearance
Forewing: When the wings are opened, a pair of narrow, light-yellow, and transverse bands are observed. When the wings are closed, the banded patterns remain the same.
Hindwing: When the wings are opened, they are either entirely reddish-brown (males) or pale gray (females). When the wings are closed, the reddish-brown or pale gray shades can hardly be seen.
Average wingspan: 4.8-7.2 cm
Flight pattern: Consistent
Season: May – June
lh3.googleusercontent.com
Egg
They are grey, laid on the branches and stems of host plants.
i.pinimg.com
Quick Facts
| Distribution | Western Europe to Central Asia and Siberia |
| Habitat | Open woodlands, moors, and prairies |
| Lifespan of Adults | 2 months |
| Host Plants | Aspen, bilberry, bramble, grasses, heather, red clover, sallows, silver birch, strawberries, and zigzag clover |
| Adult Diet | Does not feed |
Did You Know
- Swedish zoologist Carl Linnaeus first described the fox moth in 1758, in the 10th edition of his book Systema Naturae.
butterfly-conservation.org
observation.org
Scientific Classification
- Family: Lasiocampidae
- Genus: Macrothylacia
- Scientific Name: Macrothylacia rubi
