Goldafter
(Euproctis chrysorrhoea)
Recognize and react appropriately
The brown-tail moth is a butterfly native to Central Europe, currently appearing more frequently along the North Sea and Baltic Sea coasts. Its caterpillars possess fine, stinging hairs that can cause health problems. On this page, you will learn how to identify the brown-tail moth, what dangers it poses, and how to react appropriately.
The brown-tail moth (Euproctis chrysorrhoea) is a native moth that lives as a caterpillar on its host plant for most of the year.
The Goldafter is a native butterflyThe moth, which spends most of the year as a caterpillar on its host plant, hatches from its eggs in August and shortly thereafter begins to build a cocoon for overwintering. They remain in these cocoons throughout the winter, where they rest safely. From April onwards, the caterpillars leave their cocoons, continue to feed, and develop until they pupate in June. In July, the moths emerge, mate, and lay eggs again, thus beginning the cycle anew.
The brown-tail moth infests various plant species. On Sylt, the caterpillars are frequently found on the Rugosa rose (Rosa rugosa) to be found. In addition, it has also been sighted on hawthorn, willows, serviceberry, Swedish whitebeam and blackberries.
Garden plants such as roses, fruit trees and oaks can also be affected.
The rugosa rose (Rosa rugosa) is a common location for the webs of the brown-tail moth.
From autumn to spring, the winter webs of the brown-tail moth are clearly visible in bushes. These are densely spun leaves and twigs in which the caterpillars overwinter together.
You've discovered such a web? Here You'll learn what's important now.
The pictures show the caterpillars in their winter webs at the beginning of December and the eggs of the brown-tail moth.
Other caterpillars also spin webs. The ermine moth creates veil-like webs on shrubs and trees from spring to summer. Its caterpillars are smaller (up to about 3 cm), lighter in color, sometimes with blackish-grey markings, and hairless.
The ermine moth poses no health risk.
If you discover the goldtail moth or its webs on your property, you have different options for action depending on the time of year.
If you are unsure, you should contact a specialist company or the relevant authority. authority .
From November to March:
During this time, the webs of the brown-tail moth can be removed independently. The following must be observed:
Carefully remove webs cut off completelyDo not damage due to the stinging hairs!
Closed clothing and gloves Wear them. Wash work clothes immediately afterwards at 60°C.
Webs or green material infested with gold-tail moth must not be disposed of via compost or normal green waste.
They must be disposed of separately, securely sealed (e.g., in a sturdy garbage bag), and promptly in the regular trash or burned in a closed fireplace. Until disposal, store them briefly in a cool, sealed container outdoors. Transport must be covered or enclosed. Larger quantities must be declared as contaminated material to the waste disposal company Remondis and delivered accordingly.
The use of plant protection products or biocides is restricted to persons with valid certificate of competence allowed.
From April to October:
Control measures outside the winter months should only be carried out by Specialist companies with appropriate protective equipment and professional expertise be performed.
For smaller areas, it is possible for specialists to vacuum up the caterpillars between April and June.
Tip: To ensure that infested green material is disposed of properly, request proof of disposal.
The caterpillars protect themselves with toxic stinging hairs. The most problematic are... late caterpillar stages from April to June.
The caterpillars' hairs break off easily and are spread by the wind. As a result, they stick to skin and clothing and can also be inhaled.
The reaction to the stinging hairs can vary greatly and often only hours after contact demonstrate.
As a general rule, hairy caterpillars should not be touched!
Possible symptoms
allergic reaction
Skin redness, blistering skin rashes, severe itching
Difficulty breathing
burning, inflamed eyes
In very rare cases, anaphylactic shock.
If you experience severe symptoms or breathing difficulties, please seek medical help.
& further information
Veronika Vogel, Municipality of Sylt
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