Catapillar of Vapourer Moth

Scientific name: Orgyia antiqua

Size: Wingspan up to 38mm

Distribution: Found in most parts of the UK

Months seen: July to October

Habitat: Woodlands, parks, hedgerows and gardens

Food: The larvae feed on many different trees and shrubs

Special features: Sometimes call 'Rusty Tussocks', the male vapourer moths are a rich brown colour with two distinctive eye spots - one on each forewing. They can sometimes be seen flying during the daytime.

The female vapourers are wingless and resembles an overweight hairy woodlouse. Once she emerges from her pupa she starts emitting pheromones to attract a male. Once mated she lays her eggs on the surface of her cocoon and dies.

The eggs hatch the following spring, and the caterpillars can be seen from May to September. They have a blue-black or purple body covered in small red spots. The whole body is covered in short greyish hairs, plus there are four distinctive tufts of bristles on their backs which are usually a creamy-yellow colour. They also have tufts of black hair sticking out of the front and back ends. The hairs of these caterpillars can cause skin irritation (redness, itching and swelling) so avoid handling them.