The large Lappet moth, Gastropacha quercifolia, is known by various names: ‘quercifolia’ refers to its similarity to dried oak leaves when its wings are closed at rest, and ‘lappet’ alludes to the fleshy skirts or lappets along the pro-legs of the larvae. Like other members of the Family Lasiocampidae, it is a ‘snout’ moth referring to the protruding, but non-functioning, mouth (so the adult does not actually feed).
Gastropacha quercifolia is locally common in southern England, flying in the mid-summer months in hedgerows, gardens and open woodland. The larvae of this moth feeds on the leaves of such shrubs as hawthorn and blackthorn, and pupates in a silky cocoon between leaves and on bark near the ground.
Apart from the cryptic camouflage of its posture at rest and wing colouration, the hair-covered body of the moth offers acoustic camouflage by absorbing 85% of the ultrasonic clicks produced by insect-hunting bats.
This is a focus-stacked image.
