Unidentified Hairy Caterpillar

jdoherty · #1 (**permalink**) 20-11-2007, 12:25 PM

I took this photo of a hairy caterpillar in Monkstown Wood, Newtownabbey, N.Ireland in Sept 2007. It was about 2-3 cm in length. ID anyone?

Thanks, John

Dogghound · #2 (**permalink**) 20-11-2007, 12:28 PM

Ruby Tiger Phragmatobia fuliginosa.

Scarlet Pimpernel · #3 (**permalink**) 20-11-2007, 10:34 PM

Found a few cat's of this species in my garden this year but still have never seen the adult. It's very much on my next years hitlist!!

Cheers Jacob

Dogghound · #4 (**permalink**) 20-11-2007, 10:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Scarlet Pimpernel

Found a few cat's of this species in my garden this year but still have never seen the adult. It's very much on my next years hitlist!!

Cheers Jacob

Seem's to have been a good year for them, The adult is very attractive will be well worth your wait.

Scarlet Pimpernel · #5 (**permalink**) 20-11-2007, 10:45 PM

Yeah I really hope I get to see them next year. Do you know what food plant their caterpillar lives on? I would be interested to know. Been looking at the pic on UK Moths with envy!

Cheers Jacob

Dogghound · #6 (**permalink**) 20-11-2007, 10:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Scarlet Pimpernel

Yeah I really hope I get to see them next year. Do you know what food plant their caterpillar lives on? I would be interested to know. Been looking at the pic on UK Moths with envy!

Cheers Jacob

Yes, its not a very selective larvae, it can be found on species such as heather mainly Calluna vulgaris, through to Dock. I have found alot on butterbur this year too. Its not very picky thats for sure.

Scarlet Pimpernel · #7 (**permalink**) 20-11-2007, 10:55 PM

Hmmm that is interesting as they seemed to be coming from the Leylandi Hedge my nextdoor neighbour has installed. But the other side of the garden is a field o perhaps they have come from that side and I just caught them all returning!

Cheers Jacob