The Dun-bar - Cosmia trapezina

Wingspan 25-33 mm. A variable species, with the ground colour ranging from ochreous-yellow to dark brown, with a varyingly contrasting band on the forewing. However it is distinctly different from the other British Cosmia species, and not difficult to identify.

Woodland, gardens and hedgerows.

The moths fly from July to September and come to both light and sugar.

Larva polyphagous on various broad-leaved trees and shrubs including Elm, Oak, Birch, Blackthorn, Hawthorn, Hazel, Willow and Field Maple. They are also well-known for their cannibalistic tendencies towards larvae of other moths, and to their own species in captivity. In a recent survey to determine the status of all macro moths in Britain this species was classified as common.

It is commonly distributed over much of Britain. In a recent survey to determine the status of all macro moths in Britain this species was classified as common.

Quite common in Leicestershire and Rutland. L&R Moth Group status = A (common and resident)