About Odonestis pruni (Linnaeus, 1758)
Odonestis pruni, commonly called the plum lappet moth, has wing colours ranging from yellow to orange, with reddish and brownish markings. A distinct white dot sits in the centre of each forewing, with two darker bands located close to this dot. Reported wingspans vary widely, falling into two ranges: 20–30mm and 40–60mm. Males of this species are paler in colour and smaller in size than females, matching the trait pattern seen in other members of the Odonestis genus. Mature caterpillars measure 45–70mm in length. They have a blueish-grey body, a brown head, and golden lines running along the full length of their body; they may also bear grey or golden spots. This moth is native to Eurasia, where it ranges from Japan across the continent to central Europe. It does not occur in South or Southeast Asia. Females lay eggs either singly or in small clusters. Eggs hatch in late summer or fall, and newly hatched larvae overwinter to resume growth in spring and early summer. Once they finish growing, caterpillars spin cocoons and pupate before emerging as adult moths. Local populations produce between one and two generations per year, depending on location.
