Appearance
For a key to the terms used, see :Glossary of entomology terms.A striking dimorphism exists between the male and the female moths of this species. The male moth typically has orange- to red-brown wings; each fore wing has a white comma-shaped spot. It has marked plumose antennae. The wingspan measures between 35 and 38 mm. The female moth has vestigial wings and is flightless; it is light grey-brown, has "shortly bipectinate" antennae, and a swollen abdomen. The compound eyes of the two sexes differ not only with regard to their size, number of facets and internal organization and ultrastructure, but also with regard to their sensitivity to ultraviolet radiation
The hairy caterpillar is spectacular, with "humps", "horns", and a "tail" in a combination of dark grey, red, and yellow.
Distribution
"O. antiqua" is native to Europe, but now has a transcontinental distribution in the Palaearctic and the Nearctic regions.The species is not on the IUCN Red List; and in the UK is considered a common resident.
Status
"O. antiqua" is native to Europe, but now has a transcontinental distribution in the Palaearctic and the Nearctic regions.The species is not on the IUCN Red List; and in the UK is considered a common resident.
Habitat
In the UK, "O. antiqua" may be encountered in a variety of shrub-based habitats, including gardens, parks, open woodland, fens, hedgerows, heaths. and moors.References:
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