Caterpillar ID help

OwlCreek · #1 (**permalink**) 29-04-2011, 04:12 PM

Hi everyone,

I am new to the caterpillar identification game and I would love to hear any advice you have as to what this caterpillar is. I found it on birch (or possibly sycamore). I would like to raise it and would like to confirm the food plant.

Thanks!

mk · #2 (**permalink**) 29-04-2011, 09:55 PM

Hi,
looks very much like a mottled umber although im not entirley sure as the colouration looks slightly different.
Mk

k4t3 · #3 (**permalink**) 30-04-2011, 03:09 PM

Would go with Mottled Umber, the colour can vary from yellow through ochre and reddish browns.

OwlCreek · #4 (**permalink**) 30-04-2011, 08:50 PM

Thanks for the help. The one question I would have is that it seems strange that the caterpillar would be out now. Would it continue to eat for the next few months before pupating? I am feeding it on birch and will hopefully find out what it is when it pupates.

mk · #5 (**permalink**) 01-05-2011, 09:32 AM

Yes these particular larvae are usaually out from March to June.
After pupating in June it will probably emerge sometime in october as the fully grown moth.
thanks,
Mk.