Miller Acronicta leporina
The Miller is not very difficult to identify, even though the basic colour is variable. On the continent most animals have a white ground colour with small and delicate black markings. In Central Britain though one often encounters a greyish groundcolour, known as Acronicta leporina grisea. The only species which is similar is the double species Dark Dagger and Grey Dagger. These species lack a lot of the delicate markings, but show some big black lines, which are not found on the Miller. Reaching a wingspan of 35 to 45 mm the Miller is about the same size as the two Daggers mentioned.
The caterpillar is extremely variable in colour. Young caterpillars however are green. They are covered in thin, waving, long hairs, which are white or yellowish. About the time they are ready to pupate the caterpillars turn brown and the hairs darken. Full grown caterpillars are some 35 to 37 mm in length. The caterpillars digs a hole in dead wood and use small pieces of the wood to seal the entrance before pupating. The pupa overwinters in this hiding place. The caterpillars are found on many deciduous trees, such as beech and oak, but especially on birch and alder.
The Miller is on the wing from May to the end of August and usually has two breeds in a year (only one in Northern European areas). It is a common species all over Europe and is found in Finland even above the polar circle. In Britain a common species in woodlands and heathlands, including city parks. Less common in Scotland, especially going north.
