Yellow-tail
Euproctis similis
This record describes Euproctis similis (species). Recorded family: Erebidae. Recorded order: Lepidoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Wingspan 28-35 mm. The female is larger than the male and has a large tuft of yellow hairs at the tip of her abdomen, which is used to cover the newly-laid eggs. Occupies a number of habitats such as woodland, scrub and gardens. The caterpillars, in common with many of the Lymantriidae , are covered with irritating hairs and should only be handled with extreme care. They feed on a number of deciduous trees and shrubs. Common in England and increasingly so in Scotland. In a recent survey to determine the status of all macro moths in Britain this species was classified as common.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Lepidoptera
- Family
- Erebidae
- Genus
- Euproctis
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
Occupies a number of habitats such as woodland, scrub and gardens.
Seasonal Activity
It flies in July and August.
Diet and Behavior
Life History
The caterpillars, in common with many of the
Additional species information
Recorded status
Common in England and increasingly so in Scotland. 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 Euproctis similis. 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 Yellow-tail (10)
Frequently Asked Questions About Yellow-tail
What is Yellow-tail?
Yellow-tail (Euproctis similis) is a species in the family Erebidae, within the order Lepidoptera.
Where is Yellow-tail found?
Habitat: Occupies a number of habitats such as woodland, scrub and gardens.
When is Yellow-tail active?
Yellow-tail: seasonal activity - It flies in July and August..
What is the life cycle of a Yellow-tail?
The caterpillars, in common with many of the