White Satin Moth - Leucoma salicis

Wingspan 37-50 mm. The glossy surface of the wings gives rise to this moth's English name. The female is larger than the male. This moth has black and white ringed legs and entirely white hair on the abdomen.

Particularly common in Poplar and Willow plantations, but also found in hedgerows, gardens and parks.

July and August when it is attracted to light.

The colourful larvae are covered with white heart-shaped blotches, and feed on Willow and various Poplars.

It is distributed widely in England and Wales, but commonest in the south. It is also a sporadic migrant, which is thought to explain the origin of several northern records. In a recent survey to determine the status of all macro moths in Britain this species was classified as local.

Fairly frequent but not common in Leicestershire and Rutland. L&R Moth Group status = B (scarce resident or restricted distribution or regular migrant)