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Biology: Both adult moths have white wings and a brown body.
The female differ from males by a mass of brown hair at the end of her abdomen. Brown tailed moths mate
during July / August, laying eggs on suitable vegetation for the caterpillars. The eggs can take between
4 - 6 weeks to hatch and the emerging caterpillars are black with white marks either side and orange spots.
Their bodies are covered with thousands of tiny hairs that they can shed. These hair are the cause of extreme
irritation resulting in severe reactions to the skin, eyes and throat.
The larvae spin a tent of silk in which they shelter together at night and bad weather. The caterpillars
consume large quantities of young leaves on trees and shrubs, causing significant damage in a matter of days.
During June the larvae pupate, covered in brown silk between the leaves. Pupation takes approximately 4 weeks
and the mass emergence of adult moths assist in successful mating.
Size: 15 - 20 mm in length 30 - 38 mm wingspan.
Markings: Adults have white thorax, brown body and wings. Caterpillars are black with white side marks and orange spots - they are very hairy.
Location: Found mainly in Southern Britain, they live in trees and bushes.
Detection: Visual sightings of caterpillars on branches along with silk "tents". Irritation of the skin resulting from the hairs the caterpillars.
Solution: For a survey, quotation and treatment contact AQUILA
All Surveys and Quotations are free of charge
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All Work carried out is completed to the standards recommended
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