Eriogaster catax, commonly known as the eastern eggar, is a species of moth in the family Lasiocampidae.

Eriogaster catax
Adult (top) and larva (bottom)
Scientific classification Edit this classification
Domain: Eukaryota
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Arthropoda
Class: Insecta
Order: Lepidoptera
Family: Lasiocampidae
Genus: Eriogaster
Species:
E. catax
Binomial name
Eriogaster catax

Description

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Eriogaster catax has a wingspan of 27–35 millimetres (1.1–1.4 in) in males, of 35–45 millimetres (1.4–1.8 in) in the females. This species shows a pronounced sexual dimorphism. The males are smaller and have feathery antennae. In males the basal part of the front wing is yellow-orange, while the outer part is pinkish-brown. In the females the front wings are browner. In both sexes, the front wings show a transversal line and a white discal spot within a dark border. Hind wings have no markings. Females are larger and at the end of the abdomen they have a tuft of dense gray-black hairs.

The eggs hatch in April. The larvae feed on Crataegus, Quercus, Betula, Populus, Prunus and Berberis species. This univoltine species fly at night in September and October.

Distribution

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It is found in Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Czech Republic, Germany, Hungary, Italy, the Netherlands, Poland, Serbia and Montenegro, Slovakia, and Spain.

References

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  1. ^ World Conservation Monitoring Centre (1996). "Eriogaster catax". IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. 1996: e.T8029A12883403. doi:10.2305/IUCN.UK.1996.RLTS.T8029A12883403.en. Retrieved 15 November 2021.