Catterpillar for id in Hampshire

Craftybird · #1 (**permalink**) 19-04-2009, 05:09 PM

I found this fellah walking along a sunny path in Hampshire about six weeks ago, on chalky agricultural land. (I helped it up into the hedgerow.) It was a good size and because of the time of year I'm guessing it must have overwintered. Anyone know what it is?

PS:- still finding my way around the site so apologies if I could have easily found it in a Gallery somewhere

charlieb · #2 (**permalink**) 19-04-2009, 05:22 PM

It's a Setaceous Hebrew Character Xestia c-nigrum, they're double brooded with larvae from June to July and September to April, so yes this one has overwintered and is probably looking for somewhere to pupate.

Craftybird · #3 (**permalink**) 19-04-2009, 05:30 PM

Thank you for being so quick Charlieb, I'm off to learn more about them now. I was very impressed that such a thing could survive the winter weather they had down there, it was incredibly severe this year. I hope it pupated safely, it deserves to live!