I've just seen my first Elephant Hawk Moth caterpillar this afternoon. Really startled me as it came out of the soil where I was planting and it was really big! Didn't know what I was looking at to start with. Had 2 big black eyes and a longish kindof snout!
About 2-3 inches long (6 cms). When I googled it, the page says it likes fuchsias so it's probably munching my nice new one right now.
When walking with son a few weeks ago we found a black and yellow striped caterpillar. It was called kirsty caterpillar. Took it home ( hoping it wouldn't munch my plants). It wasn't there next morning so had to tell son it had already turned into a butterfly and flown away. He now sees any butterfly and asks if that's kirsty.
Just love kids.
Any one know what caterpillar/butterfly kirsty might be?
The hawkmoth caterpillars are a bit scary aren't they Lizzie!! I think especially the Elephant variety because its designed to look like the head of a snake I think. You can just imagine a blackbird being spooked by one and those few seconds might just save the caterpillars life.
Thank you nut. I've also saved the site in my favourites.
One of the nice things about having an allotment is seeing the different wildlife. The back garden hasn't had as much attention this year either and the number of birds which come has more than doubled since last year.
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I've just seen my first Elephant Hawk Moth caterpillar this afternoon. Really startled me as it came out of the soil where I was planting and it was really big! Didn't know what I was looking at to start with. Had 2 big black eyes and a longish kindof snout!
About 2-3 inches long (6 cms). When I googled it, the page says it likes fuchsias so it's probably munching my nice new one right now.
Sorry folks, I didn't think to photo it.
Just love kids.
Any one know what caterpillar/butterfly kirsty might be?
Have a look at Cinnabar moth MrsG
In the sticks near Peterborough
The hawkmoth caterpillars are a bit scary aren't they Lizzie!! I think especially the Elephant variety because its designed to look like the head of a snake I think. You can just imagine a blackbird being spooked by one and those few seconds might just save the caterpillars life.
Nut...the stripes went across, didn't notice if it was hairy but have seen another so there must be more.
http://ukmoths.org.uk/show.php?id=5577
Cinnabar moth caterpillar for Zoomer and MrsG
In the sticks near Peterborough
What a brilliant website nut!! Bookmarked for sure
Thank you nut. I've also saved the site in my favourites.
One of the nice things about having an allotment is seeing the different wildlife. The back garden hasn't had as much attention this year either and the number of birds which come has more than doubled since last year.