INSECTS

LEPIDOPTERA / LASIOCAMPIDAE [66]

The ten native species of Eggar and Lappet moths belong to the Family Lasiocampidae. They are sturdy medium-sized or large moths that typically have brown or yellowish wings. The forewings usually have a central spot or cross-lines. The males have wide feathery antennae which are used to detect pheromones released by females.

66.003 Lackey is a common species. Females lay a ‘band’ of eggs around twigs which overwinter before hatching. The brightly coloured caterpillars live gregariously in silk spun webbing. They grow quickly eventually measuring over 5cm long. Foodplants include Hawthorn, Blackthorn, Goat willow and a range of other trees and shrubs.

66.007 Oak Eggar is a large attractive moth that has a wingspan up to 75mm. It does not feed on oak; the name is derived because the cocoon is acorn-shaped. Males are daytime flyers, whereas females are nocturnal. This is a female.

66.010 Drinker is a nocturnal moth that possesses splendid feathery antennae. The large hairy larvae go into hibernation during October and start feeding again from April to June. They drink drops of dew from plants which is how their common name came about.