Just Emerged Caterpillar for ID

GrayB · #1 (**permalink**) 04-07-2009, 09:14 PM

Hi Everyone,
Can anyone help with the ID of this Caterpillar, i think it had just shed it's old skin if thats what Caterpillars do

Thanks.
Gray.

charlieb · #2 (**permalink**) 04-07-2009, 09:39 PM

It's a sawfly (think you right about the shed skin), but I don't think a more specific ID will be possible.

GrayB · #3 (**permalink**) 04-07-2009, 10:05 PM

Thanks Charlie,
Are you saying that a positive ID is never possible until it becomes adult?
Gray.

charlieb · #4 (**permalink**) 04-07-2009, 10:23 PM

ID'ing sawfly larva is hard - there's no literature and they all look very similar, unlike lepidopteran larvae (there are a few sawfly larvae that can be ID'd e.g. Platycampus luridiventris, Caliroa cerasi) - and in many cases impossible especially at such a young age.

ID'ing the adults is equally as difficult, for the same reasons

So no, probably not even to a family.

GrayB · #5 (**permalink**) 04-07-2009, 10:36 PM

Damn, well thanks for the info Charlie, i may take one of the 20 or so that have invaded my goats beard and see what the adult looks like.
The insect world seems a mine field of questions with no definate answers.
I have a Mantis that hasn't been sexed but seems to have given birth to at least one nymph, amazing

Thanks again Charlie.
Gray.

charlieb · #6 (**permalink**) 04-07-2009, 10:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by GrayB

have invaded my goats beard

That's often a good way to start with sawflies - the hostplant. Although trawling through the literature can be a pain, and for once the internet is almost useless.