Couple of ID's if poss :)

Snakeystew · #1 (**permalink**) 30-05-2009, 04:24 AM

Ok, this first one I only could only wish that I had have got a better picture. All I saw and heard were wings and a buzz as this thing flew into the neighbours garden. Obviously I couldn't get close enough to get a picture I would have liked but this isn't so bad all things considered.

I would assume it's some kind of beetle? He was certainly a big fella.

The second was just as funky but had more hair.

Many thanks for the help

aeshna5 · #2 (**permalink**) 30-05-2009, 04:28 AM

You're right, the first critter is definitely a beetle- a chafer; can't see it well enough to be certain, but looks a bit green, so maybe a Rose Chafer?

Snakeystew · #3 (**permalink**) 30-05-2009, 05:12 AM

Aye, I think that's a good call

Amazing, all these years and I've never actually seen one before.

Thanks very much.

Hedge Witch · #4 (**permalink**) 30-05-2009, 06:46 AM

The caterpillar looks very much like that of the Vapourer Moth, but the cream-coloured "tufts" seem to be missing

tigger · #5 (**permalink**) 30-05-2009, 08:10 AM

I've had several Rose Chafers in the garden, have a look at my previous post Rose Chafer Beetle ?

Was it pretty big (20mm) and a gorgeous green? However, if it was smaller there are some over beetles it could have been.

Jane

charlieb · #6 (**permalink**) 30-05-2009, 10:49 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Hedge Witch

The caterpillar looks very much like that of the Vapourer Moth, but the cream-coloured "tufts" seem to be missing

It is The Vapourer, Orgyia antiqua - just a very early instar that appears to be missing a couple of tufts.

Snakeystew · #7 (**permalink**) 30-05-2009, 12:36 PM

Actually, as an explanation to that I can say that there was a small 'tuft' next to it. I can only assume that while doing the garden the wife accidentally injured it or something. It did seem to be alive - I hope it's ok.

Many thanks for the ID

P.S As for the beetle: Yes, it was large and amazingly coloured. That it was also sitting on a rose for a good long while makes me confident it was indeed a rose chafer

charlieb · #8 (**permalink**) 30-05-2009, 02:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Snakeystew

Actually, as an explanation to that I can say that there was a small 'tuft' next to it. I can only assume that while doing the garden the wife accidentally injured it or something. It did seem to be alive - I hope it's ok.

They normally have four tufts, two black ones and two white ones (at that stage) - I can see two white ones. It is a very early instar which may account for the variability.