Hello, I've Just joined up to GardenStew and loving the site. I live in Newcastle upon Tyne, North East England and hope to pick up many growing tips, advice etc..... I'm currently growing flowers to attract butterflies in my back yard. I've now caterpillars all over the my pansies etc. I've uploaded the photo, if anyone can identify the caterpillar i'd be very happy. Would also like to know if its a moth or butterfly. Much Thanks Chris Caterpillar ( photo / image / picture from Chris1975's Garden )
The above picture looks very similar to your caterpillar Chris. The only thing is it's a Clymene Moth Larva which comes from Eastern North America. However, there have been reports of different types of Tiger Moths turning up in the UK of late so maybe this is one of them?? They feed on various leaves which include peach, willow and oak.
Thank You Eisleen. I think you've identified him correctly, looks very similair. Thank you very much for your help. I'll try and get some pictures of them in there adult moth like stage. Thanks once again. Hope the weathers a bit better for you today. Fingers crossed its gonna be a hot'un. My Tumbling Toms need some sunshine.......
Chris I thought you might like to see the adult moth. The markings on its wings when they're closed look just like a sword on a shield don't they? :-D The moth can either be white or this colour when its wings are closed.
Wow thats a fine specimen of moth, Thank You for all your hard work researching... It certainly does look like a sword. I've also stalked its profile on the net and Some people regard it as a religious sign due to the cross. very similair to the famous statue of christ on top of a mount in Rio De Janeiro with his arms open wide..... Weathers been lovely today, Hope its been nice your way. Enjoy ur Thurs
