Poplar Lutestring Tethea or
Poplar Lutestring Tethea or
Adult • Pickworth Great Wood, Leicestershire • © Mark Skevington

65.011 BF1655

Poplar Lutestring Tethea or

([Denis & Schiffermüller], 1775)


Wingspan 38-43 mm.

Characterised by its four cross-lines, or 'lutestrings' on the inner part of the forewing, this species sometimes shows a slight purplish tinge when fresh.

There are three races recognised, occurring in England and Wales, Scotland and Ireland.

The caterpillar feeds on poplar (Populus), especially aspen (P. tremula), hiding between two joined leaves.

June and July is the typical flight time for the moth.
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