Poecilocampa populi (Linnaeus, 1758)


Poecilocampa populi: Female [S] Poecilocampa populi: Ovae [S] Poecilocampa populi: Ovae [S] Poecilocampa populi: Ovae [S] Poecilocampa populi: Larva [M] Poecilocampa populi: Larva (eastern Swabian Alb, Southern Germany, May 2011) [M] Poecilocampa populi: Larva (head, eastern Swabian Alb, Southern Germany 2011) [M] Poecilocampa populi: Cocoon [S] Poecilocampa populi: Pupa [S] Poecilocampa populi: Larval habitat on the eastern Swabian Alb (Germany) in a open, Salix and Populus-rich forest in early June 2012. [N]

Host plants:
The larvae feed on many deciduous woods. Above all, however, they are observed on poplars and willows (especially Salix caprea). But I found caterpillars also on Prunus padus and Quercus robur.

Habitat:
Poecilocampa populi inhabits grove rich sites of all kinds, even in villages. Most often it is found in open forests with much softwood.

Life cycle:
The moth flies in October and early December. The egg hibernates. The caterpillars are usually found between late April and June.

Remarks:
Poecilocampa populi occurs from Northern Spain through Europe and Asia to Japan.