Yellow-tail - Euproctis similis

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.

It flies in July and August.

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.

Quite a common moth in Leicestershire and Rutland. L&R Moth Group status = A (common and resident)