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LOTS OF CATERPILLARS MUNCHING!

JAYJARDINJAYJARDIN Posts: 256
in Problem solving
Hi there- is anyone able to identify these caterpillars ? They were tiny when they hatched but have grown enormously in about 3 weeks. I did a Google search and the best I could come up with were Sawfly caterpillars but they seem too large for those at about 20mm x 4mm thick. They feed in groups of about 30 and I have 3 groups of them. They are munching on our Goat Willow. Can anyone ID them ? I'm not getting too close to them due to the fine hairs. Happy for them to munch away, just curious to know what they will turn into!
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  • wild edgeswild edges Posts: 10,497
    Buff Tip moths I think. They look amazing as adults https://ukmoths.org.uk/species/phalera-bucephala/larva/
    If you can keep your head, while those around you are losing theirs, you may not have grasped the seriousness of the situation.
  • JohnjoeJohnjoe Posts: 77
    They might be Cabbage Whites? I'm infested this year, not too worried about it as I like Butterflies
  • JAYJARDINJAYJARDIN Posts: 256
    Thanks both ! I think Wild Edges has it right as the page she linked me to shows exactly the right caterpillars ! 
  • LynLyn Posts: 23,190
    I wish they’d feast on goat willow here! 
    Gardening on the wild, windy west side of Dartmoor. 

  • JAYJARDINJAYJARDIN Posts: 256
    Yes it's a bit of a thug isn't it! I inherited it from the previous owner of this house. How ridiculous to plant something that grows so tall in a smallish garden ! I will be giving it a very hard prune late in the year in the hope it doesn't get as huge as it is !
    Happy though to find out my caterpillars are not sawfly caterpillars.
    @wild edges- I had an angle shades moth walking on my finger yesterday- how beautiful they are, a real work of art!
  • plant pauperplant pauper Posts: 6,904
    You and me both @Lyn!
  • randybowman811randybowman811 Posts: 6
    Hey! Sounds like you've got some caterpillar action going on. Without seeing pics, it's a bit tough, but the size and behavior could match some types of moth or butterfly caterpillars. Keep an eye out for any distinctive markings, colors, or patterns. And you're right, those fine hairs can be tricky – best to keep a safe distance. It's awesome you're letting them do their thing! 🐛🌿

  • JAYJARDINJAYJARDIN Posts: 256
    They are getting fatter and longer every day and still munching.  They seem to be helping me with pruning the very enthusiastic growth ! @randybowman811: There are photos as the start of the post so you can see what they look like !
  • FairygirlFairygirl Posts: 55,117
    I think randybowman might not be a genuine poster @JAYJARDIN ;)
    It's a place where beautiful isn't enough of a word....



    I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...
  • JAYJARDINJAYJARDIN Posts: 256
    Thought as much by the name !
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