[ID] Today's... caterpillars!!

[Jason Green]

Hi Everyone!

A caterpillar needs a name please!!

Seen today on grass stems... though I don't know which type

14/2/09

Caterpillars
I didn't know they could be active so early in the year, albeit sluggish...

...a third was in a cotton-like cocoon that had stuck two bramble leaves together.

What will they become?

Take care,

Jason

[Susie]

I don't think that first one is a caterpillar. Maybe a sawfly larvae, except I can't see any legs so maybe not?

[Jason Green]

Thanks Susie, I can't really, either. It's chewed a hole in the leaf and is holding on with something but I can't tell what; I think you're right with sawfly... maybe No. 2 as well ??

[Susie]

No.1 and no. 2 don't look like the same type of critter to me. No. 2 may be a moth caterpillar?

Sorry I can't help more, I am way out of my league here, Jason.

[Jason Green]

Nope, that's great Susie; thanks a lot

[Dogghound]

Most moths overwinter as larvae and are quite active on warm days. The coccon could be any number of species that overwinter is this state. The two on the grass are both lepidoptera. Neither photo gives alot away, is there anychance you can find what species of grass it is? anyother details such as leg numbers?. The second is probrably ID'able with abit more info. The first one is abit hit and miss, possibly from a micro species.

[Jason Green]

The grass species... will it being green do?! Nope, thought not. I'm useless with grasses!! Um... it kind of grows in tussocks and has kind of sheaths. Making any sense? I think it's a very common garden grass, long, not like the usual thin strands you get. It sometimes has aphids on it...

[Dogghound]

lol . Erm..... we will leave it at grass then. Did you see how many legs they had? There are several species that the 2nd one could be just carnt see its head or under it to see how its legs are structured.