Erebidae

72.017 Vapourer Orgyia antiqua (Linnaeus, 1758)

Common

Similar species: The male Scarce Vapourer Orgyia recens has darker wings with orange and white markings at the wing tips. The female is hairier than the Vapourer female.

Forewing: M 12 to 17mm

Habitats: Open woodland, scrub, moorland, heathland, coastal sand-dunes, hedgerows and gardens.

Habits: The male flies in sunshine while searching out the wingless female that remains resting on her cocoon, which is where she lays her eggs. The male also flies at night and comes sparingly to light.

Foodplant: The larva feeds on Hawthorn, Blackthorn, Silver Birch, Downy Birch, Hazel, oaks, limes, elms, sallows, Bracken, Bilberry, Bog Myrtle, Tamarisk, Jasmine, Cotoneaster ssp., Pyracantha ssp. and other deciduous trees and shrubs. Pupation takes place in a cocoon on the stem or foliage of the foodplant or nearby plants or some other structure such as a fence.

On the European mainland it has also been recorded feeding on Dog-rose, brambles, cherries and Rowan.