Brown-tail Euproctis chrysorrhoea (Linnaeus, 1758)
B&F 2029 [Previous species: B&F2028 Pale Tussock Next species: B&F2030 Yellow-tail Back to Index]
This individual is one of several taken at light, and collectively these are the first confirmed records for VC55 following two probables reported in 2005. This follows a recent colonisation just over the border in Cambridgeshire/Northamptonshire. This male has no dark marks on the dorsal edge, and shows the dark chocolate brown anal tuft, both features readily separate this species from Yellow-tail. Females have slightly feathered antennae whereas female Yellow-tail has simple antennae. Both this species and Yellow-tail adopt a defensive 'play dead' pose as shown, and in this position Brown-tail will typically curl it's abdoman downwards whilst Yellow-tail curls its abdomen upwards.