White Satin Moth
Leucoma salicis
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Overview
The White Satin Moth is a pristine white moth with a silky sheen — beautiful at close range. Larvae feed on Poplar and Willow and the species was more common when plantations were managed regularly. Green Sefton's John Dempsey specifically notes a 'population collapse' at previously favoured sites in 2021 and 2022 and expresses hope for its return. The cause of the local decline is unclear. Resting adults are sometimes found on tree trunks by day.
At a Glance
| Order | Lepidoptera |
| Family | Erebidae |
| Habitat | Poplar and Willow woodland · Dune scrub with Sallow |
| Diet | Adults: minimal. Larvae: Poplar, White Poplar, Willow, Sallow. |
| UK population | Widely distributed but declining in many areas |
| Sefton Coast | Present but numbers crashed significantly in 2021–22; formerly more abundant. Named specifically in Green Sefton moth accounts. |
| Conservation | UK Amber List |
Where to See It
Formby pinewoods and any area with Poplar and Willow near the Sefton Coast. Numbers have crashed in recent years.
Identification
Medium moth. Pure white, silky-sheened wings. White body. Black-and-white chequered legs. No patterning — uniform white. Often rests on Poplar trunks in daytime.
Viewing & Photography Tips
Check Poplar and Willow trunks in June–July for resting adults. A moth trap near Willows in the dune scrub may produce the species. Report any sightings — population data is valuable.
Conservation Status
UK Amber List
This species is of moderate conservation concern. Population monitoring and habitat management on the Sefton Coast support its continued recovery.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did White Satin Moth numbers crash in 2021?
The cause of the sharp decline in White Satin Moth at Sefton Coast sites in 2021–22 is not fully understood. Possible factors include changes in the woodland structure that reduced suitable larval habitat, unusual weather conditions affecting egg or larval survival, or natural population fluctuations. Population crashes and recoveries are not uncommon in moth species, and ongoing monitoring will reveal whether recovery occurs.
Related Species
Plan your visit to the Sefton Coast
Marshside RSPB, Formby pinewoods, Ainsdale NNR — practical guides to getting there, what to bring, and the best spots for each season.