Lasiocampidae: Lasiocampidae

1637 (ABH66.007) Oak Eggar Lasiocampa quercus, (Linnaeus, 1758)

KR06752

Earith
Earith
 Photo © David Griffiths
Earith
 Photo © David Griffiths
 pre-2000
 2000-2009
 2010-2019
 2020-onwards
Earith
Earith
 Photo © David Griffiths
Monks Wood, 21st July 2006.
Monks Wood, 21st July 2006.
 Photo © Nick Greatorex-Davies
Monks Wood, 21st july 2006.
Monks Wood, 21st july 2006.
 Photo © Nick Greatorex-Davies
Pirin Mtns., Bulgaria, July 2009
Pirin Mtns., Bulgaria, July 2009
 Photo © Nick Greatorex-Davies
Moel-Ysgyfarnogod, N. Wales. 23-06-2006
Moel-Ysgyfarnogod, N. Wales. 23-06-2006
 Photo © Nick Greatorex-Davies
Llanymynech Rocks, Montgomeryshire. 6th April 2011. Final instar.
Llanymynech Rocks, Montgomeryshire. 6th April 2011. Final instar.
 Photo © Nick Greatorex-Davies


General Information

Contrary to its venacular name, this species does not feed on oak. It is so named because of the shape of its cocoon.

 

Males fly during the day, females fly from dusk and come to light with the first few hours of darkness.

 

Pupates in a brown cocoon in leaf litter.

Overwinters as Overwinters as a larva.
Both sexes readily come to light, sometimes in numbers.
Flies during the day

Forewing length: M 25-34mm. F 33-40mm.
Foodplant(s): Heather (Calluna vulgaris), Bilberry (Vaccinium myrtillus), Bramble (Rubus fruticosus), sallows (Salix spp.), Ivy (Hedera helix), Blackthorn (Prunus spinosa), Broom (Cytisus scoparius), hawthorns (Crataegus spp.), broadleaved shrubs
Flying: One generation, July-August
UK Presence: Resident
National status: Common

Habitat

Heathland, woodland, grassland, hedgerows, scrub and fen.

Regional Information

Recorded in 32 (11.9%) of the 270 2km squares of Huntingdonshire.

Last recorded in August 2023

Recorded date range (Adult): 04 June to 10 September

Recorded date range (Larva/Leafmine): 06 May to 04 June



Larva/Leafmine:
Larva Type:
Hairy
Colours:
Black, brown, grey, white, blue, orange
No. of Proleg Pairs:
5