Gorse tip moth

Forests and Woodlands, Grasslands and Prairies, Urban and Suburban Areas, Agricultural and Cultivated Areas, Rotting and Decaying Matter

The eggs of gorse tip moth are typically found on host plants, especially species they will later consume as caterpillars. Larvae, in turn, are found on or near their food sources, be it leaves or stems of these plants, where they feed and grow. Pupation occurs in concealed places like under bark or leaf litter to provide protection during this vulnerable stage. Adults, however, are usually spotted in areas abundant with flowering vegetation, as this provides them with nectar sources. To locate these stages, searching the respective habitats diligently is required: inspecting plants for eggs and larvae during the day, and for adults, visiting flowers at dusk or night when they are most active.

For adult gorse tip moth, dusk or nighttime is typically the best time when they are most active. For larval stages, daytime searching can be productive, especially on overcast days when larvae are less likely to be hiding.

Calm, mild weather conditions without extreme cold, heat, or rainfall may increase the likelihood of finding gorse tip moth as these conditions are more conducive to their activity and lifecycle.