Brown Vapourer
Common NameBrown Vapourer
Scientific NameOrgyia antiqua
FamilyErebidae
SubfamilyLymantriinae
Wingspan (mm)30
Wing Patternsolid
Primary Colorsorange-brown, dark brown, black
HabitatWoodlands, gardens, parks, heathland, scrub, hedgerows
Geographic RangeEurope, Asia, North America
Host Plantsoak, willow, birch, hawthorn, fruit trees, heather, rose, sallow, larch
Flight PeriodMay to October
Flight Styledarting
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesFemales are flightless and lay eggs on their cocoon. Larvae are distinctive with tufts of hair, often brightly colored, and have four prominent dorsal 'toothbrushes' and two long black hair pencils at the front. They pupate in a silken cocoon.
Identification TipsMales are identified by their orange-brown wings with a small black spot and feathery antennae. Females are wingless and sack-like. The distinctive hairy larvae are also key for identification.
Description
The male Brown Vapourer moth has orange-brown forewings with a small black discal spot and darker brown hindwings. Its body is stout and hairy, and it possesses prominent feathery antennae.
