Photo © Dave Green
Ground Lackey
Malacosoma castrensis
Checklist Number66.004 [B&F: 1635]
Verification
Record requires retention of specimen until confirmed, and may require dissection. Consult with CMR if unsure
Classification
| Family: | Lasiocampidae |
| Subfamily: | Poecilicampinae |
| Genus: | Malacosoma |
| Species: | castrensis |
| Authority: | (Linnaeus, 1758) |
Nationally scarce (Na) in saltmarshes and on shingle beaches in England from Kent to Suffolk, predominantly coastal. Not recorded in Hampshire or on the Isle of Wight to date. Wingspan male 32-36 mm, female 40-48 mm. Similar to Lackey M. neustria, but cross-lines roughly parallel in Lackey, whereas in Ground Lackey they converge towards the middle. Larva feeds on Common Sea-lavender, Sea Wormwood and other herbaceous saltmarsh plants, over-wintering as an egg.
