WHITE SATIN

ADULT: Wingspan 37-50mm.  With its black and white banded legs, white hairy abdomen and silky white wings that have a pale creamy yellow streak running along the leading edge this stunning moth is easily identified. Males have highly noticeable black centred feathered antennae. CHRYSALIS: Pupates in a flimsy cocoon in leaves or a natural crevice within bark. LARVA: Variegated red, black and white with prominent hairs and bright white marks along the back. It feeds on Willow, Poplar and Sallow. Overwinters in this stage.  BEHAVIOUR: Attracted to light. HABITAT: Gardens, parks, woodland rides and hedgerows and Poplar plantations. FLIGHT PERIOD: July to August. STATUS: Resident and immigrant.  Common.