Added on 02/01/2012Pest/Disease

Brown-tail Moth


Euproctis chrysorrhoea



Affecting various species including Hawthorn, Cherry, Blackberry, Rose.
The caterpillar of this moth causes severe defoliation in trees.
It is mainly found in the south and east of Britain.
The caterpillars feed together in colonies during the Summer. They over winter in the branches within dense, silken webs.
The caterpillar is approximately 40mm long and has the two distinctive orange warts at it rear (see photo). The hairs can cause skin rash so its important to wear gloves when removing infestations.




Photo (above) showing the silk web in which they over-winter.


Photo (above) Nest and infestation removal in Southampton, UK.


Thanks to Terry Marsh of Southampton for permitting the use of these photographs.