Status Widespread and common. Mature woodland, heathland, scrub and gardens with Oak.
Quite variable in extent of black markings, the male with large feathered antennae is also smaller than the female. Normally unmistakable, but the infrequent form f. eremita is entirely sooty grey.
The larvae feed in the spring on Oak (Quercus), and sometimes coniferous trees.Recorded in 66 (89%) of 74 10k Squares. First Recorded in 1861. Last Recorded in 2024. Additional Stats |