Grizzled or Dingy

Jax2000 · #1 (**permalink**) 16-07-2011, 05:09 PM

Hi all - is this caterpillar Grizzled or Dingy - i am thinking Grizzled because there are no black spots along the flanks.........what do you think ?

Deb London · #2 (**permalink**) 16-07-2011, 05:32 PM

I'm thinking Dingy because my guide and UK butterflies show Grizzled Skippers as having a browner caterpillar (not so bright green). Also, I can see spots. But I've really no idea and will await expert opinion.

Jax2000 · #3 (**permalink**) 16-07-2011, 06:18 PM

Cheers for the prompt reply Deb...........you can see spots ! ......where ! you haven't got cataracts have you ?:^) or you have very keen eyes.

Yeah your right though it does look a light brown, tan, straw sort of colour in that book.......i think the verdict is out.......but i will go with Dingy until someone says otherwise.

Thanks again

Jax

Deb London · #4 (**permalink**) 16-07-2011, 07:20 PM

The spots may be tricks of the light now I look again.

But then again, I have also seen shots of Dingy's without spots I think.

EDIT I think I see a trefoil type plant in your shot. Was there?

Jax2000 · #5 (**permalink**) 17-07-2011, 03:52 PM

Ha Ha - yes identification is always difficult when a character is there on one individual and not on another - but that is the challenge.

Yes there was plenty of common birds foot trefoil.....it was a flower rich unimproved grassland with grass hoppers pinging left right and centre. It was just south of Juniper Hall FSC. Plenty of Cowslips, Clustered Bellflower (attached), Marjaram and Pyramidal Orchid....infact there was probably more herbs than grass.

So...how come, you are so much into wildlife when you live in the big smoke - or is this a misconception - that London is a concrete Jungle ?

Enjoy the rest of your weekend

Jax

Deb London · #6 (**permalink**) 17-07-2011, 04:04 PM

It's not how I see London. Wildlife makes its home anywhere and everywhere. The problem I have is that some people seem to be against managing places for wildlife; not surprising I guess in an area where every single square inch is precious. But you can still find places of interest if you know where to look.

Jax2000 · #7 (**permalink**) 17-07-2011, 07:50 PM

Yeah your right - wildlife is very adaptable - only last night i watching and listening to a noctule from my balcony, foraging around an oak tree in the middle of amenity grassland on the outskirts of Southampton - amazing it nearly blew the bat detector out of my hand it was so loud. Apparently they echo locate as loud as a pneumatic drilll.

So what are the highlights or notable species on your patch ?