Small eggar

The Small eggar (lat. Eriogaster catax) is a moth belonging to the order Lepidoptera and the family Lasiocampidae. While often considered a species of conservation interest in some regions, its larvae can reach densities that cause significant defoliation in various broad-leaved trees and shrubs.

This pest primarily attacks a wide range of host plants, including oak (Quercus), birch (Betula), hawthorn (Crataegus), blackthorn (Prunus spinosa), and various orchard fruit trees such as plum and cherry. The caterpillars are active during the spring, feeding voraciously on fresh foliage.

Regarding its biology, the species typically has one generation per year. The insect overwinters as a pupa within a tough, hard cocoon located in leaf litter or near the base of the trunk. Adult moths emerge in autumn, mate, and lay eggs on the branches of host plants, where they remain throughout the winter until hatching.

The damage caused by the larvae is characterized by the consumption of leaf tissue. Young larvae often congregate and construct silk nests on branches for protection. As they grow, they disperse and can cause extensive defoliation, which stresses the host plants, weakens their growth, and leads to reduced fruit yield.

Effective control measures include both physical and chemical interventions. Cultural practices involve inspecting trees during the dormant season to remove and destroy egg clusters and early nests. If infestations become severe, targeted application of microbial insecticides like Bacillus thuringiensis or broad-spectrum insecticides is advised during the early larval development stages.