Brown Tailed Moth

- Wed 23rd Jun 2004

At this time of the year we are invaded by this creature. Reports have been made that they have been seen on Hayling in the grassed and lightly wooded areas.




<%image(20040623-bt_moth1.jpg|275|356|The Brown Tailed Moth)%>The caterpillars of the brown tail moth can be identified as being an orangey-brown colour with a dotted white line on each side of their back. There are two bright red dots near to the tail and they are fairly well covered by fine, reddish brown hairs. The moths are actually white in colour and these survive in winter by spinning a white tent around them. Brown tailed moths are a problem as they can strip all the leaves and shrubs if they become established and if the caterpillars hairs are touched they can cause considerable irritation to the skin developing into a rash. If this occurs a doctor should be consulted.




What are they?


These moths lay 200-300 eggs on the leaves of trees and shrubs in late summer. Small caterpillars hatch and start to feed on the leaves. To survive the winter they spin a white "tent" around themselves and these can easily be seen when the leaves have fallen. In the spring the caterpillars leave their winter home and scatter amongst the foliage. They feed on the leaves until they are about 2.5cm to 5cm long. Towards the end of the summer they moult, pupate and emerge into adult moths.




What do they look like?


The moths are white but the caterpillars are orangey-brown with a dotted white line on each side of their back. There are two bright red dots near to the "tail" and they are fairly well covered by fine, reddish brown hairs.


What should I do if I find some caterpillars?


If the caterpillars are in any of the parks, highway verges or other public places, contact the Parks and Horticulture Department on (023) 9244 6419. They will investigate and treat if necessary.

By forum user, Bruce_Bennett