DRAWN TO THE LIGHT

Lappet Moth Gastropacha quercifolia

Gillian Nash

Throughout the world nature has devised many cryptic designs and forms to assist in the avoidance of predation – not least the Lappet moth. Although its Latin name suggests a snail-like creature with a connection to oak, the adult moth’s most obvious feature lies in its resemblance to dried leaves, both in colour and form. A large moth with a wingspan of up to 90mm and in its resting pose, hindwings extend below the forewings giving the impression of flanges. Decorative fabric ‘lappets’ were a popular feature of 18th-century headdresses so it seems likely this may be where the common name originated.

Broad wings and exaggerated sensory palps protruding from its head create the outline of a shrew. Altogether an undeniably extraordinary moth with a primeval presence.

Resident and nocturnal, Lappet moths are on the wing from June to August as they seek larval foodplants such as hawthorn, blackthorn and various other hedgerow species on which to lay eggs. The resulting night-feeding young overwinter whilst small to resume feeding in spring, eventually attaining a length of up to 90mm. At this stage the impressive dark-coloured larva is now ready to pupate in a tough spun cocoon tightly secured to a twig low on a food-plant until the emergence of the adult moth the following summer.

Habitat includes woodland, hedgerows, undisturbed wild areas and occasionally rural gardens with a range that is now confined to southern counties. Local sightings date back to the late 1800s and never a common moth, it is now included in the UK endangered list. Sadly, yet another declining species as changes in hedgerow and land management affect its opportunity to complete life cycles.