Green caterpiller on bracken

[brianholland]

I would be most interested to know what this caterpiller is the larvae of as I felt that nothing fed on bracken.

Can someone enlighten me please

[charlieb]

There are a few species that feed on bracken (Small Angle Shades, Brown Silver-line, and others), but I don't think it is any of those.

Where and when was this taken?

Do you have any other angles?

I think this may be a case of a wandering caterpillar not on the "right" foodplant - or was it definitely eating it?

[brianholland]

Originally Posted by charlieb

There are a few species that feed on bracken (Small Angle Shades, Brown Silver-line, and others), but I don't think it is any of those.

Where and when was this taken?

Do you have any other angles?

I think this may be a case of a wandering caterpillar not on the "right" foodplant - or was it definitely eating it?

Thank you Charlieb for your comments.
Sadly I do not have other angles my wife was deep in the bracken attempting to photograph other insects.
The photo was taken at Sudbourne in Suffolk on the 14th August. The actual spot was in Captains Wood - bit of a walk to get to it and then some when you eventually arrive.
Brian

[charlieb]

Forgot this one.. how big was it?

[brianholland]

Originally Posted by charlieb

Forgot this one.. how big was it?

Head Office (The wife) tells me that it was about three inches long. Hope that helps.
Sorry cannot offer any more information as she took her eye off it and 'lost' it. in the greenery.
Brian.

[charlieb]

Aha! It's The Herald Scoliopteryx libatrix

[brianholland]

Originally Posted by charlieb

Aha! It's The Herald Scoliopteryx libatrix

Charlieb, I am such an ignoramus that I thought you were pulling my leg UNTIL I pasted in the name you suggested in to Google and was blown away when the details came on screen.
How the hell did you manage to identify it from my wife's rather poor photograph?.
Excellent stuff so thank you again.

Brian.

[charlieb]

Originally Posted by brianholland

How the hell did you manage to identify it from my wife's rather poor photograph?

Determination, patience, knowing I've seen it somewhere, a pinch of salt ...

And as photos go, that's actually a pretty good one!

[brianholland]

Originally Posted by charlieb

Determination, patience, knowing I've seen it somewhere, a pinch of salt ...

And as photos go, that's actually a pretty good one!

You are very kind. I will pass on your comment to H.O. (The wife!!)
Brian.