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66.005 ~ 1633 ~ Small Eggar ~ Eriogaster lanestris
UK Status

Resident. Nat. Scarce B, S,C.

Montgomeryshire Status

Having significantly declined in Britain the Small Eggar was thought to have disappeared from Montgomeryshire until it was rediscovered breeding at Middletown and Montgomery in the east of the county in 2011 (pictured below). It has since been found at several sites, all in the eastern side of the county.

Wingspan :  M & F, 36-47mm.

Confusion species

December Moth.
Flight time (Montgomeryshire)

Habitat

Hedgerows and scattered bushes.

Foodplant

Mainly blackthorn and hawthorn, occasionally found on other deciduous trees.

Lifestage data

Larvae live gregariously until part way through their final instar. Larva April-July. Overwinters as a pupa near the ground for up to 3 years.
map
Montgomeryshire photos

Photo by DB, 10th March 2012, Middletown
Male reared from larva

Photo by DB, 20th May 2011, Middletown

Photo by DB, 20th May 2011, Middletown
Pic shows larval nest.

Photo by NRS, 20th May 2011, Montgomery Another larval nest...

Photo by DB, 5th June 2011, Middletown
Pic shows cocoon.

Photo by PR, 30th Mar 2014, Abermule

Photo by BP, 2017, Ardleen
Another larval nest...