The Ground Lackey (Malacosoma castrensis) is another Palaearctic member out of the Malacosoma genus. Although widespread (from the UK to the Russian Far East) it's occurrence is more scattered then that of the very similar Malacosoma neustria. In many places - except the northern Mediterranean - their numbers are in decline and sightings are becoming more and more rare. This is a species of warm and nutrition poor grasslands and (dry) heathland. This translates in warm and dry breeding conditions. If you keep them in plastic containers, make sure they are well ventilated and never give wet leaves. This species gets sick much easier then Malacosoma neustria and rearing them can sometimes be surprisingly challenging. The food plants are also typical plants of poor soils, including several low growing Rosaceae (Rosa, Rubus, Sanguisorba, Potentilla, Filipendula, ...), Asteraceae (Artemisia, Achillea, Hieracium, ...), Fabaceae (Lotus, Trifolium, ...) and Euphorbia. Once the eggs have been taken out of the fridge and brought at room temperature, the development starts fast. They usually hatch within seven to ten days. The caterpillars grow relatively fast and complete their cycle within five to six weeks. The pupal stage is short. The moths hatch late Spring, early Summer.
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| Malacosoma castrensis final instar on Rosa |
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| Malacosoma castrensis final instar on Rosa |
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| Malacosoma castrensis final instar on Rosa |
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| Malacosoma castrensis L4 on Rosa |
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| Malacosoma castrensis L4 on Rosa |
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| Malacosoma castrensis L3 on Rosa |
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| Malacosoma castrensis L3 on Rosa |
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| Malacosoma castrensis L1 on Rosa |
