Buff Ermine caterpillars – more help please

[westt]

Since Olly correctly identified my 9 Buff Ermine caterpillars I've been wondering what is best to do with them – since Friday 2 have gone AWOL so should I put them on a plant in the garden or in the field over the fence? I need to know what plants they like best. Any help greatly appreciated before they all decide to abscond

[wildone]

Hope this might help as to food preferences.
Plantago, Taraxacum, Betula, Sambucus, Salix, Prunus, Rubus which looks like trees and shrubs in the main.
Got the info from this site
http://www.leps.it/index.htm

[westt]

Originally Posted by wildone

Hope this might help as to food preferences.
Plantago, Taraxacum, Betula, Sambucus, Salix, Prunus, Rubus which looks like trees and shrubs in the main.
Got the info from this site
http://www.leps.it/index.htm

Thanks for this, now I need to find out which ones I have in the garden! From what I've read it looks like they don't actually pupate till next spring – am I right? that seems a long time. I'm not sure why they are starting to make a break for freedom unless they are fed up with best Heart of Romaine lettuce! Maybe I can introduce different leaves to see what they prefer before turning them out into the wide world.

[wildone]

Originally Posted by westt

Thanks for this, now I need to find out which ones I have in the garden! From what I've read it looks like they don't actually pupate till next spring – am I right? that seems a long time. I'm not sure why they are starting to make a break for freedom unless they are fed up with best Heart of Romaine lettuce! Maybe I can introduce different leaves to see what they prefer before turning them out into the wide world.

I would think that best Heart of Romaine lettuce is not what they like. Something less succulent but with a bit of body to it. Have you a plum or blackthorn in the garden? They will hibernate as caterpillars once there are no leaves on the trees for them to eat, if they do not pupate until spring. Whatever, I think it would be as well to put them onto their prefered food as soon as possible.

[westt]

Originally Posted by wildone

I would think that best Heart of Romaine lettuce is not what they like. Something less succulent but with a bit of body to it. Have you a plum or blackthorn in the garden? They will hibernate as caterpillars once there are no leaves on the trees for them to eat, if they do not pupate until spring. Whatever, I think it would be as well to put them onto their prefered food as soon as possible.

Looks like they've decided for me. . . I watched one climb out of its box and down the back of the chest of drawers. When I peered in, I could see that one had already spun its 'tent' ready to pupate! Maybe they are early enough to reach adulthood this year? Failing that, perhaps they will just stay in this state until Spring (I'm no expert but I'd doubt that). Re: food plants, I tried various things at first before I knew what they were, and they made a bee-line for the lettuce! I don't have plum or blackthorn, but I read they also like dock and dandelion leaves, so I'll give those a try for the 5 I have left! ... I wonder where all the other coccoons are??