For Anyone Interested in the Wildlife of the U.K.
Yellow-tail Moths
Identify It > Moth Section > Yellow-tail Moths >
Scientific name: Euproctis similis
Size: Wingspan up to 45mm
Distribution: Found throughout most of England and Wales. Rare in Scotland and Northern Ireland
Months seen: July to August
Habitat: Hedgerows, woodlands, parks and gardens
Food: The larvae feed on many deciduous trees including; hawthorn, elm, oak and birch
Special features: Yellow-tail moths, as the name suggests have a yellow or orange coloured tip to their abdomen. The rest of the body is all white, but there are a couple of grey spots at the tail edges of the forewings.
The caterpillars are mostly black with rows of orange spots along the back, and a row of white spots on each side. They are also covered in irritating hairs, so handling is best avoided.
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