πŸ¦‹ Butterflies & Moths

Buff-tip

Phalera bucephala

About Buff-tip

A moth that mimics a broken birch twig with remarkable precision when at rest. Its silvery-grey wings end in a buff-coloured patch resembling exposed wood.

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Did You Know?

Caterpillars feed communally in large groups and can completely defoliate small trees.

How to Identify Buff-tip

Buff-tip (Phalera bucephala) belongs to the order Lepidoptera, family Notodontidae. Adults typically measure 55-68 mm wingspan.

Buff-tip Habitat

Buff-tip is found in underground habitats, particularly across Europe, temperate Asia. This species has adapted to thrive in its preferred environment, where it can find suitable food sources and shelter.

Buff-tip Diet and Feeding

Buff-tip is a herbivore, feeding on plant material including leaves, stems, flowers, and other vegetation. Herbivorous insects play a significant role in ecosystems by influencing plant growth and serving as a food source for predators.

Where Is Buff-tip Found?

Buff-tip can be found in Europe, temperate Asia, where it inhabits underground environments. Its distribution is influenced by climate, food availability, and habitat suitability.

Distribution Map

Where Buff-tip can be found

Is Buff-tip Dangerous?

Buff-tip is generally harmless to humans. It does not bite or sting and poses no significant health risk. Like most insects, it prefers to avoid human contact and will typically flee rather than confront a perceived threat.

Buff-tip Role in Nature

Buff-tip is part of the food web as a primary consumer, feeding on plant material. It serves as an important food source for birds, bats, amphibians, and other insectivores, connecting plant energy to higher trophic levels.

Seasonal Activity

Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Peak activity Moderate Low / dormant

Frequently Asked Questions About Buff-tip

What does Buff-tip look like?

The Buff-tip typically measures 55-68 mm wingspan.

Where is Buff-tip found?

The Buff-tip is found in Europe, temperate Asia and typically inhabits underground environments.

What does Buff-tip eat?

The Buff-tip feeds on plant material including leaves, stems, and other vegetation.

Is Buff-tip dangerous to humans?

The Buff-tip is generally harmless to humans. It does not bite or sting and poses no significant health risk.

What is an interesting fact about Buff-tip?

Caterpillars feed communally in large groups and can completely defoliate small trees.

Cite This Page

APA:
InsectDiscover. (2026). Buff-tip (Phalera bucephala). Retrieved from https://insectdiscover.com/insect/buff-tip

MLA:
"Buff-tip." InsectDiscover, https://insectdiscover.com/insect/buff-tip.