Malacosoma neustria

Lackey moth

Description

Adult lackey moths, which fly in July and August, are highly variable in colour, ranging from sandy yellow to dark brown with faint wide cross-lines on both sets of wings. After mating, the females lay eggs on thin twigs of broadleaves so that they are arranged one next to the other. They form a ring of eggs around the whole twig. The larvae hatch in April and May. At first they live gregariously in web nests which they spin around leaves and branches, later they crawl apart and live singly. The larvae have a blue head and a blue stripe on the sides of their body. The damage caused is more dangerous on young trees. The species is more common in warmer localities.

Symptom

Collorful caterpillars on leaves. They have a blue head and a blue belt on the sides of the body. The females lay eggs on thin twigs of broadleaves so that they are arranged one next to the other. They form a ring of eggs around the whole twig.

Tree Species: Birch, Oak, Poplar

Part of a plant- attacked: Leaf / Needle

Pest significance: Less harmful

Pest Category: Insects

Invasive Species: No

Present in EU: Yes