More Moths and Caterpillers
25th August 2012
A careful inspection of the ravaged cabbage, brussel sprout and broccoli leaves uncovered one of the allotment owners enemies, the caterpiller of the Large White. These voracious caterpillers have munched their way through all the outer leaves at some speed, and it may be worth checking your own crop. Additionally, and not quite so numerous quite a few pale green with white underbelly caterpillers were found on the same crop, and believe these to be the Small White (Pieris Rapae).
Additionally, various other species have been found, some a little more unusual. Anyone that is growing mint or mint related herbs may well find a peculiar looking moth, red, brown in colour with yellow spots, relatively small, called Pyrausa Aurata. These moths feed exclusively on mint and mint related plants, and despite their colour are quite well camouflaged.
Found by mistake is this furry beast (pictured), which would appear to be a white Ermine (Spilosoma Lubricipeda) caterpiller. Unusually, this specimin was found curled up in slightly long grass underneath rhubarb, and we came across him quite by accident.
Finally, butterflies, in particular red admiral and peacock seem to be less frequent, and various of our more experienced allotment folk have commented that these are rarely seen. So it was interesting to find a few Peacock butterflies making the most of the White Buddleja.
Images of all the above can be found in the Butterflies and moths gallery.
Additionally, various other species have been found, some a little more unusual. Anyone that is growing mint or mint related herbs may well find a peculiar looking moth, red, brown in colour with yellow spots, relatively small, called Pyrausa Aurata. These moths feed exclusively on mint and mint related plants, and despite their colour are quite well camouflaged.
Found by mistake is this furry beast (pictured), which would appear to be a white Ermine (Spilosoma Lubricipeda) caterpiller. Unusually, this specimin was found curled up in slightly long grass underneath rhubarb, and we came across him quite by accident.
Finally, butterflies, in particular red admiral and peacock seem to be less frequent, and various of our more experienced allotment folk have commented that these are rarely seen. So it was interesting to find a few Peacock butterflies making the most of the White Buddleja.
Images of all the above can be found in the Butterflies and moths gallery.