Fox Moth (Macrothylacia rubi)

OTHER NAMES: N/A
Latin Etymology: Macrothylacia ("large pouch") rubi ("ruby")

 

Fox Moth (Macrothylacia rubi) caterpillar at Padstow, Cornwall, UK - October 2025

Featured Subspecies: ?
Weight: ?  /  Length: ?  /  Wingspan: 40-65mm
NO UK STATUS / IUCN Red List: Not Yet Evaluated 

A widely distributed species across Eurasia from Western Europe to Siberia where it inhabits open habitats including moors and prairies. They have a wide variety of foodplants including clovers, birch, heather and bramble. The caterpillars initially emerge in bright colours but become darker over time.
 
Related Species: 
Order: Lepidoptera
Family: Lasiocampidae
Genus: Macrothylacia
SUBSPECIES: ?
 
 - Sighting Locations -

UNITED KINGDOM - A fairly common resident.

 - Seen near Padstow, Cornwall 

Further Notes: BirdForum Opus, IUCN Red List, RSPB, Wikipedia, Xeno-canto