Gypsy Moth – Erebidae – Lymantriinae – Lymantria dispar – colour code ••
STATUS – A first record for VC57 and Derbyshire. An individual was photographed in the late evening on a wall in Allenton, Derby on 18th August 2024 by Sam Goddard’s brother Joe. Unfortunately the moth flew off before it could be contained. Since 1995 small colonies have existed in London, where an attempt was made by DEFRA to eradicate it, however small populations now exist in the south east of England. The species spreads by the tiny larvae being dispersed by wind. Most reports of single individuals refer to males, as the female if large and very cumbersome and cannot fly well.
ID POINTERS – The male has a deep broad wing, brown in colour with paler cross-bands. Fairly unmistakeable.
FLIGHT PERIOD – On the wing July – August
IMAGES – Allenton, Derby, Derbyshire – Joe Goddard per Sam Goddard©
No additional images currently available
