Sirhowy Hill Woodlands

Scientific name: Lymantria monacha

Black Arches

Late July to August. Local to southern parts of England, East Anglia and west Wales. A distinctive moth with black jagged lines and markings decorating the creamy-white wings.

 

The adults fly at night and are attracted to light, especially the males. They can sometimes be found resting on tree trunks or posts during the day. The caterpillars can be found from April to June after they have overwintered as eggs.

What does the Black Arches eat?

The Black Arches eats mainly Pedunculate Oak (Quercus Robur) and Sessile Oak (Quercus petraea) but also other trees including Midland Hawthorn (Crataegus laevigata), birches and elms.

What habitat does the Black Arches live in?

The Black Arches lives in woodland and parks with mature oaks.

What family does the Black Arches belong to?

The Black Arches belong to the Lymantriidae family.

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Statistics

Scientific Name

Lymantria monacha

Location

England, Wales, Scotland and Ireland

Size

Medium Sized

Wingspan Range: 36-56mm

Population

Well distributed in the southern section of England

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