Hi Denise, Excellent explanation and yes it all makes perfect sense :D I've put the caterpillar in loose soil as you suggested but he is just lying there doing nothing. I'm worried that a bird is going to come along and have him for tea! Perhaps he has already gone into the pupating stage and has no...

Thanks Denise, I'll go and move it into a more suitable home right away. Excuse my total ignorance of how moths & butterflies 'work' here - I have lived most of my life in the Caribbean - if it pupates now will it stay buried in the cold ground until spring or is there time for it to emerge befo...

I have this morning found a caterpillar snuggled up on the outside of my kitchen door. I live on the coast of North Wales. Can anyone tell me what it is? And should I leave it where it is or move it to somewhere safer and more sheltered?
Liz

Thanks Shirley for the tip re. the Silver-studded Blue. I hope to take a walk up the Orme later today or tomorrow so will definitely look out for it and let you know if I'm lucky enough to spot one.
Liz

I saw that moth again yesterday and had my camera handy - it is indeed a Cinnabar. Liz

Thanks Shirley and Pete for your responses - I think the Cinnabar might be the one. Hopefully I will see one again soon and get a better look. Would love to see that Six-spot Burnet as well! Is it usual for the Cinnabar moth to be out and about in the middle of the day? Thanks for the welcome Shirle...

Today, June 30th 2009, in my garden on the coast of north wales I saw a moth/butterfly that was a striking light red and black. The pattern was simple and unspeckled. There was a large amount of red on each wing that, when in flight, looks almost luminous pink. The black bordered the red I think. So...