Euproctis similis, Yellow-tail Moth

Common Name: Yellow-tail Moth

Euproctis similis, more commonly known as the Yellow-tail Moth, has a wingspan 28-35 mm. Fairly common in England and Wales, it is local in Scotland and Ireland. The female is larger than the male, and has a large tuft of yellow hairs at the tip of her abdomen, which is used to cover the newly-laid eggs.

It flies in July and August, occupying a number of habitats. The caterpillars, in common with many of the Lymantriidae, are covered with irritating hairs and should only be handled with extreme care. They feed on a number of deciduous trees and shrubs.

https://www.uknature.co.uk is a website dedicated to showing the immense diversity of UK nature and wildlife. Our vast range of habitats, from lowland arable to snow covered mountains, from storm-ravaged coastlines to peaceful inland freshwater lakes and rivers, from dry, sandy heaths to deciduous and coniferous forests, all these habitats contribute to the abundance of UK nature. We have wild birds in huge numbers either residing or visiting our shores (597 recorded species as at July 2013) and we must also not forget the humble back garden with its grass lawns, flower beds filled with nectar rich flowers, shrubs and trees, all designed to attract huge numbers of insects such as bees, moths, butterflies and hoverflies; and finally the small ponds which provide safe havens for frogs, toads, newts and even slow worms and grass snakes. www.uknature.co.uk is the showcase for my personal passion, photographing uknature in all its glory. I sincerely hope you all enjoy the fruits of my labours.