The caterpillar (figured on Plate 125, Fig. 1, from a coloured drawing by
Mr. A. Sich) has various shades of reddish brown on the back, and yellowish
on the sides and beneath; the line above the red-marked white spiracles is
black, and this has an interrupted edging of white. Fig. 1a shows a pale
form. It feeds on the foliage of birch, oak, and other forest trees, also
on fruit trees, rose, honeysuckle, etc. It often occurs in great abundance,
and is largely responsible for the leafless condition of the trees,
sometimes noticed in May.
The moth appears from October to December, and occasionally in January,
February, or March.
Generally abundant throughout England and Wales; widely distributed, and
often common in Ireland; not uncommon in the south of Scotland, but
becoming less frequent northwards to Perthshire and Aberdeen.
MARCH MOTH (_Anisopteryx aescularia_).
[Illustration: FIG. 12.