This species has declined seriously over the whole country over the last few years, Yorkshire now being one of its last strongholds. It can be found at various sites in the Pickering area, where the larval webs are constructed in hawthorn, blackthorn or even dog rose. It seems to be able to exist in very low, close-trimmed hedges, so should not be in danger unless local farming practices change drastically. The pupae may wait over five or more winters, so that when a good spring arrives there may be a massive emergence resulting in many webs.

Our small population in VC62, the most northerly in the country, is becoming nationally important.

Most records are of larval webs in June and July and there have been sightings in some new areas in recent years. Please send in your sightings

Sam Newton gives a preliminary report on his Small Eggar project

A few Small Eggar larval webs from the Vale of Pickering. Out of a total of 85 found over the last few weeks (June 6th 2020)