This marker on the Cambridge Butterfly Trail is at Histon Road recreation ground – see the map above.

The Buff‑tip is one of the most remarkable moths in Britain due to its incredible camouflage: when at rest, it perfectly resembles a broken birch twig, with a buff-coloured head and matching patches on the wing tips, blending seamlessly into silver birch bark.

Adults are typically seen from late May to July, flying at night and occasionally drawn to light sources. The caterpillars are striking; yellow and black, growing up to 65 to 75mm long, and commonly found feeding together on many deciduous trees including birch, oak, hazel and willow. These larvae may defoliate entire branches before pupating in the soil to overwinter.

Widespread and fairly common, the Buff‑tip is often overlooked despite being highly distinctive and memorable.

For more information, please visit Butterfly Conservation’s page on this species – Buff-tip.