Acronicta leporina (Linnaeus, 1758)

Host plants:
The larvae feed on Betula and Alnus, besides also other woods such as Populus or Salix.

Habitat:
Acronicta leporina inhabits wooded areas of all kinds. Larvae can also be observed in the center of cities on old birch trees. Since the pupation occurs at least in part on the tree under bark, also a successful development is possible there.

Life cycle:
The moth flies in a long generation from May to August, but this should also result from the intersection with a partial second generation. The caterpillar is usually found from July to September. The pupa overwinters.

Remarks:
Acronicta leporina is quite common and usually not very rare. The distribution ranges from Southern Spain until well into Asia. Related forms are flying in East Asia and in the Nearctic.