Calliteara abietis ([Denis & Schiffermüller], 1775)

Host plants:
The larvae live on coniferous woods, in Europe usually on spruce (Picea abies), more rarely also on Abies alba. At least in eastern Asia (eastern Sibiria) the larvae also feed on Larix and Pinus, moreover on Juniperus.

Habitat:
Calliteara abietis inhabits boreal coniferous forests, in central Europe usually in mountainous regions.

Life cycle:
The moths occur in mostly one generation in June and July (in the north still in early August). Very rarely there is a very partial second generation in late summer. Oviposition occurs in batches on twigs and especially bark. The larva was beaten from spruce in eastern Baden-Württemberg (Germany) in September. The larvae ususally hibernate in the antepenultimate instar on the ground (possibly also on the trees?) The larvae are mature between mid-May and June. They pupate in a cocoon on twigs and bark.

Remarks:
Te eastern species occurs from Norway and parts of Germany (e.g. Bavaria) and of Austria eastwards across Scandinavia and eastern Europe (e.g. Poland, Russia, Hungary, Romania, Czech Republic, Slovakia) to east Asia (eastern Sibiria: Sachalin, Japan). It is very local in the westernmost part.