Vapourer Moth with Eggs

[dan777]

Hi

I found this on my front door frame in Essex a few weeks ago. The whole thing is about an inch long.
Anyone have any idea what the insect is and what's going on?

[wildlifesnapper]

hi

it's a female Vapourer moth , they are wingless.

neil

[clicka15]

Hi Dan.

Someone else posted the same question a couple of weeks ago. I've only ever seen male Vapourers flying high above me and have never gotten a close sighting of male or female - so I'm envious! The eggs are laid on the female cocoon that she emerged from.

Excellent photographs, by the way.

Cheers,
Steve.

[dan777]

Hi Neil and Steve

Thanks for the ID. Thought it was a bit strange seeing the insect, eggs and what was obviously a cocoon all in the same place.
Just have to be careful not to disturb it when I open my front door!

Thanks again