Wild Wednesday – Fox moth
The Fox moth, Scientific name Macrothylacia rubi, has a distinctive appearance, with furry, reddish-brown forewings and pale, buff-coloured hindwings. They are a relatively large moth, with a wingspan of about 40 to 50 millimetres. The males tend to be a little smaller and less furry than the females. This moth can be distinguished from similar species by the absence of a central white spot on the forewing.
Commonly found in parts of northern and western Europe, especially in the UK, in heathland, damp meadows, sand dunes open woodland and grasslands, especially habitats with scrubby vegetation. They tend to prefer locations with abundant shrubs like bramble and heather.
The female lays her eggs on the underside of leaves, typically those of low shrubs, which will later become the larvae’s food source.
The larvae (caterpillars) of this moth are notable for their large size and distinctive orange or reddish coloration, often described as "fox-coloured," which is where it gets its name. They are covered in long, bristly hairs, which serve as a defence mechanism. The larvae are ravenous feeders, and their primary food plants include bramble (blackberry), heather, and other low-growing plants. The larvae can be seen in late summer and autumn.
After feeding and growing throughout the autumn, the caterpillars pupate in the soil, usually in a sheltered location. The adult moth does not feed at all; instead, it relies on the energy stored during its larval stage.
The adults have a relatively short lifespan and are nocturnal, attracted to light, often coming to artificial light sources at night. The males, especially, are more active at night, flying around in search of females.
While the fox moth is not currently listed as endangered, its populations can be impacted by habitat loss due to agricultural expansion and urbanisation.
Read more here: Fox moth | The Wildlife Trusts
Photo credit @WildHaweswater