Can you identify this bug?

gurningchimp · #1 (**permalink**) 16-03-2009, 02:37 PM

Hi, I found this next to a raised bed whilst clearing up yesterday. Have placed it back close to where it was found in some grass but shelted by a pile of bricks (my garden is a bit of a tip).

Any idea's what it is? I'm guessing some sort of moth pupa. Any info would be good, if I need to move it somewhere a bit more suited to it's (mothy) needs I'd like to do it...

Ta

GC

Jason Green · #2 (**permalink**) 16-03-2009, 02:42 PM

Yep, I'd have said moth pupa too, though I don't know what species. As for putting it somewhere for its mothy needs, putting it back where you found it (as I think you've said) is great

monkeypoo · #3 (**permalink**) 16-03-2009, 02:50 PM

I won't say what it looks like!

Lance Morgan · #4 (**permalink**) 16-03-2009, 02:53 PM

This is a pupa (chrysalis) of Privet hawkmoth. The largest of our native moths.

gurningchimp · #5 (**permalink**) 16-03-2009, 02:57 PM

Heh, yeah the first thing i thought was "oh, that's nice - one of the cats has pooed here..." but then its tail end started to wriggle a little...

gurningchimp · #6 (**permalink**) 16-03-2009, 02:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lance Morgan

This is a pupa (chrysalis) of Privet hawkmoth. The largest of our native moths.

Thank you Lance! Will go seek out some info

GC

monkeypoo · #7 (**permalink**) 16-03-2009, 03:04 PM

Yeah it also looks like it has a mouth and 2 little dots for eyes in the top pic, which might confuse some people

naturegirl · #8 (**permalink**) 19-03-2009, 12:31 AM

Please remember that ALL pupae need to have their pupal case 'anchored' or they will not be able to pull clear from it and may become trapped before being able to pump their wings properly, and therefore will be unable to fly.

ALL pupal cases should be returned under the soil to enable this as withouth the pressure of the soil above they will never break free and fly and that would be cruel.............

Naturegirl

Jason Green · #9 (**permalink**) 19-03-2009, 12:39 AM

Good advice there NG, something I hadn't considered but will from now on

gurningchimp · #10 (**permalink**) 19-03-2009, 09:19 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by naturegirl

Please remember that ALL pupae need to have their pupal case 'anchored' or they will not be able to pull clear from it and may become trapped before being able to pump their wings properly, and therefore will be unable to fly.

ALL pupal cases should be returned under the soil to enable this as withouth the pressure of the soil above they will never break free and fly and that would be cruel.............

Naturegirl

Ah, thanks Naturegirl! The pupa wasn't in soil when I found it, rather it was in some long grass near the raised bed. I had to move it from it's location as there had been a pile of wire netting above the grass (not on top but above due to a pile of bricks). It needed moving as it would have been trampled on at some point so I moved it to similar long grass by said pile of bricks.

If I need to bury it in some soil how deep?

Cheers for the feedback! Want to ensure it makes it