Small Eggar

Eriogaster lanestris

Scarce & localised species in England, Wales & Ireland, mainly nocturnal.

The Larvae feed on Hawthorn & Blackthorn in silken webs, seen in the Summer.

Male and Female Adults have a gray-brown to reddish coloration with white spotting on their upper wings, however males tend to have darker, grayer coloration than Females.

Additionally, Males antennae are bipectinate, or feather-like.

Both sexes have setae on their bodies, but Females have an extra grayish tuft of hair at the base of their abdominal region.

Larvae are black and hairy, developing red coloration during the later larval stages.

Flight period is in February & March.