Buff-tip

Forests and Woodlands

Forests and Woodlands, Urban and Suburban Areas

Since buff-tip is a species of moth, light traps are commonly used to attract adults at night. The trap food for the larval stages could include leaves from the larva's host plants such as willows, poplars, or birch.

Buff-tip eggs are typically laid on the underside of leaves of their host plants, often trees such as willow, birch, or apple. After hatching, caterpillars can usually be found on the leaves or branches of the host plant, where they voraciously feed. Searching for larvae may involve closely examining the leaves and branches of known host trees. Pupae may be found in a cocoon hidden in the bark of the tree or amongst leaf litter on the ground near the base of the host plant. Adults usually are active at night and rest on tree trunks or wooden structures during the day; thus, searching may involve using light traps at night or looking for resting adults during the day.

The best time to find buff-tip depends on the creature's life cycle stage. Moth stage buff-tip are best found at night when they are active. Caterpillar stage buff-tip can often be found during the daytime on host plants.

Clear, warm nights are ideal for finding adult moths as they are more active in such conditions. Finding caterpillars or pupae may be easier in dry weather conditions when the host plants are not drenched, making them more accessible and visible.