Rat-tailed caterpillar for identification

[Bruce Williams]

Stony Stratford, Bucks. On fence below willow trees.

Help with identification appreciated:





Bruce

[Dogghound]

Its a very young (2nd instar) poplar hawkmoth caterpillar, they feed on willow too.

[Bruce Williams]

Crikey Dan that was quick!

I recently bought "Caterpillars of the British Isles" by Jim Porter thinking that it would enable me to id the majority of caterpillars that I photographed - of course I forgot all about the numerous larval instars.

Thanks for your help.

Bruce

[Dogghound]

The key really with these at this age is the horn (tail). In eyed (and pretty much all other species) its dark. Eyed is the other common British species to be found on willow. You often get the two together on the same plant. With your photographic skills it would be worth looking for the adults emerging next year, they ovewinter in a pupa underground which is usually (almost always) below the food plant. Then in the summer (May-July) they emerge and crawl onto the vegetation below the tree/shrub and dry out. At this stage they are often quite easy to find, especially now you know the tree that they are on.

[Bruce Williams]

Thanks for your help and advice. I've made a note in my laptop diary to have a good look around next May-July. I took a chance and relocated the caterpillar in my pics from fence to willow tree after taking the photos, so am pleased they feed on willow as well as poplar.

Bruce