The lappet

A lappet is a decorative flap or fold in a ceremonial head dress or garment. They were a feature of women's headgear until the early 20th century. They remain strongly associated with religion. A bishop's mitre has two lappets sewn to the back of it while. The most famous usage of lappets occurs on the Papal Tiara.

Lappets are also found in nature, usually referring to a fold of skin or pendulous structure. At the moment we are rearing a caterpillar of the lappet moth, a quite spectacular species whose latin name quercifolia refers not to the foodplant but to the moth's resemblance to a cluster of dried oak leaves when at rest.

The English name describes the caterpillar, which has fleshy 'lappets' or skirts along the sides. The caterpillar is a veritable eating machine and cannot be put off its food. When fully grown, it's the heaviest British caterpillar, even exceeding the weight of beasts such as the privet hawk moth.

The species is locally common in the south and south-east of Britain, and is on the wing in June and July, when it can be attracted to light. Females are larger than the males, with a wingspan of up to 90mm or more. The larvae feed on a number of shrubs such as hawthorn and blackthorn.