Ground Lackey Malacosoma castrensis

Wingspan c. 31-41mm

Wingspan 31-41 A very local species in the British Isles, restricted to parts of the south-eastern coastal counties. The moths fly in July and August, but are only infrequently encountered, usually by light-trapping. The colourful larvae are more showy, sometimes basking in the sunshine. They feed on a range of saltmarsh plants such as sea wormwood (Artemisia maritima) and sea-lavender (Limonium vulgare).