Scarce Vapourer Orgyia recens

The Scarce Vapourer (Orgyia recens) is a nationally scarce moth of rough, scrubby grassland, heathland edge, and open woodland where its larvae feed on a range of woody and herbaceous plants, including broom, bramble, and various shrubs. The larvae are striking – densely tufted with colourful hair brushes – whilst the adult females are wingless, laying their eggs directly onto their own cocoon. In Suffolk, the species is associated with the Sandlings heathland and coastal scrub, and the county holds records of significance to the national picture. The winged males fly in June and July and are occasionally recorded at light traps. Maintaining open, structurally diverse scrub and heathland habitats supports this declining species. Image: © Maxence Castel, iNaturalist.

Find out more: iNaturalist, UK Moths, Suffolk Moths, Suffolk LNRS information page