The (Dustbin) Lackey
found this fella on the lid of the bin today, it's actually the larvae of The Lackey - Malacosoma neustria
The adults of this species are relatively dull in coloration, but the caterpillars are much more colourful, with orange, white and blue stripes on a dark brown ground colour.
The larvae feed gregariously in a web of silk, on hawthorn (Crataegus), blackthorn (Prunus spinosa) and other trees and shrubs.
Occurring mainly in the southern half of Britain, the flight period is July to August.
Wingspan 25-35 mm
www.ukmoths.org.uk/species/malacosoma-neustria
The (Dustbin) Lackey
found this fella on the lid of the bin today, it's actually the larvae of The Lackey - Malacosoma neustria
The adults of this species are relatively dull in coloration, but the caterpillars are much more colourful, with orange, white and blue stripes on a dark brown ground colour.
The larvae feed gregariously in a web of silk, on hawthorn (Crataegus), blackthorn (Prunus spinosa) and other trees and shrubs.
Occurring mainly in the southern half of Britain, the flight period is July to August.
Wingspan 25-35 mm
www.ukmoths.org.uk/species/malacosoma-neustria