ABH 29.001
The March Dagger Diurnea fagella
BF 0663
Back To (Denis & Schiffermüller, 1775)
Phenology
JAN FEB MAR APR MAY JUN JUL AUG SEP OCT NOV DECFamily
Chimabachidae Wingspan
19-29 mm Description
An early spring species, occurring from March to May. Aa small moth, with an average wingspan of about 25mm.
AKA March Tubic Males are frequent at light in spring, and are often encountered during the day resting on oak trunks. The female is flightless with greatly reduced wings (brachypterous) and is not so often seen. The species is very variable, ranging from pale to dark grey, sometimes almost black the wings of the male are held 'tentiform' over the abdomen, Melanic form can occur in industrial areas.
Life Cycle
One of the commonest Spring moths to be attracted to a light trap run in woodland during March and early April Larva polyphagous on many deciduous trees and shrubs, including Oak, Beech, Hornbeam, Birch, Willow, Poplar, Hazel, Acer, Prunus and Rubus, usually feeding between leaves spun together with silk, over-wintering as a pupa.
Habitat
Common in well wooded areas. Links
Images