Ground Lackey
Common NameGround Lackey
Scientific NameMalacosoma castrense
FamilyLasiocampidae
SubfamilyLasiocampinae
Wingspan (mm)35
Wing Patternstriped
Primary Colorsbrown, yellow, grey
HabitatHeathland, moorland, open woodland, scrub, coastal dunes
Geographic RangeWestern Europe, North Africa
Host Plantsheather, broom, gorse, willow, birch, oak
Flight PeriodJune to August
Flight Stylefluttering
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesLarvae are hairy, dark with orange/yellow stripes, and gregarious, often forming silken webs or tents on host plants. They pupate in a silken cocoon.
Identification TipsLook for the two distinct transverse bands on the forewings. The larvae are also distinctive due to their gregarious behavior and striped coloration.
Description
A medium-sized, stout-bodied moth with yellowish-brown to reddish-brown forewings typically marked with two darker, often diffuse, transverse bands. The hindwings are plainer.
