Description: Wingspan 50-62mm. Adults are large and butterfly-like in appearance and named after the small projections on the apex of the hind wings. The vast majority of adults trapped at light show signs of damage and appear faded. The bright lemon yellow so distinctive of fresh specimens fades quickly. Adults have two widely spaced cross-lines on the forewings. Mid-June to mid-August.

World Distribution: Across central and southern Europe as far east as Siberia.

Irish Distribution: Widespread and frequent in the south and east. Less frequent in the north and west particularly in north Antrim and Londonderry.

Ecology: A conspicuous insect found frequently in a variety of habitats particularly woodland rides, clearings, bogs and gardens, but never abundantly. Adults have a skittish nature and often fly at the least sign of disturbance. The larvae can be found from August to May of the following year on ivy and various other species of trees and shrubs. It overwinters as a larva.

Key Identification Features:

• Difficult to confuse with any other species

Distribution Map from NBN: Ourapteryx sambucaria at National Biodiversity Network mapping facility, data for UK.

iNaturalist: Ourapteryx sambucaria at iNaturalist World Species Observations database.