The Lackey
Malacosoma neustria
This record describes Malacosoma neustria (species). Recorded family: Lasiocampidae. Recorded order: Lepidoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Wingspan 25-35 mm. The adults of this species are relatively dull in coloration, having a plain light brown wing crossed by a wide band of darker brown, but the caterpillars are much more colourful, with orange, white and blue stripes on a dark brown ground colour. Various habitats especially well wooded areas The larvae feed gregariously in a web of silk, on Hawthorn, Blackthorn and other trees and shrubs. Occurring quite frequently, mainly in the southern half of Britain. In a recent survey to determine the status of all macro moths in Britain this species was classified as common.
Wikipedia reference for Malacosoma neustria: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Malacosoma neustria.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Lepidoptera (Butterflies and Moths)
- Superfamily
- Lasiocampoidea
- Family
- Lasiocampidae (Lappet Moths)
- Subfamily
- Malacosominae
- Genus
- Malacosoma (Tent Caterpillar Moths)
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
Various habitats especially well wooded areas
Seasonal Activity
July to August
Diet and Behavior
Life History
The larvae feed gregariously in a web of silk, on Hawthorn, Blackthorn and other trees and shrubs.
Additional species information
Recorded status
Occurring quite frequently, mainly in the southern half of Britain. In a recent survey to determine the status of all macro moths in Britain this species was classified as common.
About Butterflies and Moths: the wider group
Order-level background for Lepidoptera, the group containing Malacosoma neustria. Species-specific details appear above.
Group overview
Lepidoptera includes approximately 180,000 described species of butterflies and moths. Moths outnumber butterflies roughly 10:1. The monarch butterfly's eastern population has declined by more than 80% since the mid-1990s, and the western population by over 95% since the 1980s. The IUCN lists the migratory monarch as Vulnerable.
Ecological role of the group
Butterflies and moths are essential indicators of ecosystem health. As caterpillars, they are a primary food source for birds - a single nest of blue tit chicks requires ~10,000 caterpillars. Adult moths pollinate many night-blooming plants.
Economic and practical significance of the group
Lepidoptera are critical pollinators. In Europe, grassland butterfly species have declined by almost 50% since the early 1990s. In the UK, three-quarters of butterflies are in decline. In the U.S., five butterfly species have gone extinct since 1950, with 29 listed as endangered.
Recorded sources for this group: IUCN Red List, Xerces Society, USFWS, PNAS, WWF. Imported estimates may describe particular regions or reporting periods.
Photos of The Lackey (10)
Frequently Asked Questions About The Lackey
What is The Lackey?
The Lackey (Malacosoma neustria) is a species in the family Lasiocampidae, within the order Lepidoptera.
Where is The Lackey found?
Habitat: Various habitats especially well wooded areas
When is The Lackey active?
The Lackey: seasonal activity - July to August.
What is the life cycle of a The Lackey?
The larvae feed gregariously in a web of silk, on Hawthorn, Blackthorn and other trees and shrubs.