Last modified: May 7, 2024, 10:59 a.m.
Once a widespread species, but it has not seen in Belgium for a very long time. Presumably extinct.
Endangered species especially on the northern edge of their distribution.
This species is considered Regionally Extinct according to the IUCN Red List category for Flanders 2023.
Native
The caterpillars live from April to June and then construct their cocoons in the upper soil. The adults hibernate, probably within withered oak leaves which have remained on the trees. The adults come to light and sugar bait. In spring the adults can be seen on sallow blossom and during autumn on flowers of Hedera helix and Humulus lupulus.
They are on the wing during October and November, then hibernating and reappearing from March to May.
The larval foodplant is Quercus and the larva prefers the most tender shoots or stool growth..
It inhabits clear, warm open oak forests and edges.