Oak Eggar
Lasiocampa quercus
This record describes Lasiocampa quercus (species). Recorded family: Lasiocampidae. Recorded order: Lepidoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Wingspan 45-75 mm. The males are red-brown with a yellow band across the wing, whereas the females are larger and a paler cream colour. Adults from northern moors and some dunes and southern heaths are often larger and darker than most southern forms. A good photograph is generally required to support your record. Frequents woodland edges, hedgerows, downland, fens, sand-dunes, sand-hills and sea cliffs. Males fly during the day especially in sunshine; females are nocturnal and can be attracted to light. The normal flight period in lowland southern Britain is July to August and in the north from late May to early July. In the north of Britain development takes two years; in the south one year, with a zone in the Midlands and Welsh borders where it varies, probably with variation in the climate from year to year. The Oak Eggar, despite its name, does not feed on Oak but is so-called because the shape of its cocoon is acorn-like. The foodplants are mainly Heather and Bilberry but also include Bramble, Willows, Broom, Blackthorn, Hawthorn, Hazel and Sea-buckthorn. Fairly common and widespread in Britain. In a recent survey to determine the status of all macro moths in Britain this species was classified as common.
Wikipedia reference for Lasiocampa quercus: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lasiocampa quercus.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Lepidoptera (Butterflies and Moths)
- Superfamily
- Lasiocampoidea
- Family
- Lasiocampidae (Lappet Moths)
- Subfamily
- Lasiocampinae
- Tribe
- Lasiocampini
- Genus
- Lasiocampa
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
Frequents woodland edges, hedgerows, downland, fens, sand-dunes, sand-hills and sea cliffs.
Seasonal Activity
Males fly during the day especially in sunshine; females are nocturnal and can be attracted to light. The normal flight period in lowland southern Britain is July to August and in the north from late May to early July.
Diet and Behavior
Life History
In the north of Britain development takes two years; in the south one year, with a zone in the Midlands and Welsh borders where it varies, probably with variation in the climate from year to year. The Oak Eggar, despite its name, does not feed on Oak but is so-called because the shape of its cocoon is acorn-like. The foodplants are mainly Heather and Bilberry but also include Bramble, Willows, Broom, Blackthorn, Hawthorn, Hazel and Sea-buckthorn.
Additional species information
Recorded status
Fairly common and widespread in 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 Lasiocampa quercus. 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 Oak Eggar (9)
Frequently Asked Questions About Oak Eggar
What is Oak Eggar?
Oak Eggar (Lasiocampa quercus) is a species in the family Lasiocampidae, within the order Lepidoptera.
Where is Oak Eggar found?
Habitat: Frequents woodland edges, hedgerows, downland, fens, sand-dunes, sand-hills and sea cliffs.
When is Oak Eggar active?
Oak Eggar: seasonal activity - Males fly during the day especially in sunshine; females are nocturnal and can be attracted to light. The normal flight period in lowland southern Britain is July to August and in the north from late May to early July..
What is the life cycle of a Oak Eggar?
In the north of Britain development takes two years; in the south one year, with a zone in the Midlands and Welsh borders where it varies, probably with variation in the climate from year to year. The Oak Eggar, despite its name, does not feed on Oak but is so-called because the shape of its cocoon is acorn-like. The foodplants are mainly Heather and Bilberry but also include Bramble, Willows, Broom, Blackthorn, Hawthorn, Hazel and Sea-buckthorn.