73.065 BF2227

The Sprawler Asteroscopus sphinx

(Hufnagel, 1766)

[Synonyms: Brachionycha sphinx]

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Wingspan 39-49 mm.

A woodland species, distributed widely throughout much of England and Wales, commoner in the south. There are also scattered records from Ireland.

It is a late-flying species, being on the wing from late October to December.

The English name 'Sprawler' comes from the larva's habit of throwing back its head in defensive attitude. They feed on the foliage of a range of deciduous trees.