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Apoda limacodes | |
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adult | |
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caterpillar | |
Scientific classification ![]() | |
Domain: | Eukaryota |
Kingdom: | Animalia |
Phylum: | Arthropoda |
Class: | Insecta |
Order: | Lepidoptera |
Family: | Limacodidae |
Genus: | Apoda |
Species: | A. limacodes
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Binomial name | |
Apoda limacodes |
Apoda limacodes, also known as the festoon,[2] is a species of moth of the family Limacodidae.
The moth is found in most of Europe.[3] Within Great Britain, the species is scarce.[2]
Adults have a wingspan of 24–28 mm, with male specimens generally slightly smaller and darker than females.[2] It is primarily nocturnal, but it will occasionally fly in the daytime. The moth usually flies between June and July.[1]
The festoon mainly inhabits thick woodlands. The larvae are known to feed on oak and beech.[1]
Life cycle and behaviour The larva is small and grub-like. After storms, caterpillars are often observed in large numbers between August and October. Cocoons are not attached, but overwinter and pupate in the spring.[1]