Lobster Moth Stauropus fagi
The Lobster Moth is a rather striking moth, because often the hind wings stick out from under the frontwings not just at the end, but also at the sides of the wings. This way the moth gives the impression to be big and wide. The wingspan is very variable indeed and may be anywhere between 45 and 70 mm. The basic colouring is variable too and may be anything from olive green or light brown to grey. Just like in other family members the front legs are put forward when the animal is resting. The Lobster Moth is on the wing in spring: from the end of April to mid-July. Males readily come to light, females are rarely seen. The caterpillar of the Lobster Moth does look like something from a SF-movie. The end of the body is swollen with two wires attached. If the animal feels threatened this tail is folded over the body and the head stands erect. The big front legs are visible now, hence the name lobster. Because it is so bizar-looking lots of people kept the caterpillars as pets or to study them. If there are too many animals in one terrarium they will eat another. It is also one of the very few caterpillars that likes water. We do not have a picture of the caterpillar right now. The caterpillar's favoutite meal are leafs of beeches, but it may be seen on oak, birch and hazelwood. An uncommon species in Southern Britain, very rare in Southern Wales, absent in other parts of Wales and Scotland. It is rare in Southern Ireland.
This species is also called the Lobster Prominent.
