Caterpillar ID

[Sylvie_h]

I am having problems with the identification of this caterpillar found feeding on Umbellifers (Pant Y Sais fen NR near Swansea).

Thanks a lot for your help with this.
Sylvie

[Sylvie_h]

I forgot to mention that it was found on 26th July.
Sylvie

[Allan.W.]

Possibly Dark Arches or one of the other Arches,(Apamea sp;) Sylvie.....................Happy to be corrected !
Regards Allan.W.

[Mikhail]

I fear this is one of the dreaded "micros", Sylvie; almost certainly the Parsnip Moth Depressaria radiella. It is one of a number of species that feed on the flowers of various umbellifers.

M.

[Allan.W.]

Yes ,i must admit ,I couldn,t find anything that fed on umbellifers in my field guides,so probably a good call !
Regards Allan.W.

[MrSp0ck]

Looks like a sawfly larva to me

[Mikhail]

I refer you to the illustration on page 145 of the Field Guide to the Micro Moths of Great Britain and Ireland.

M.

[Sylvie_h]

Thanks Mikhail, I will make a search for Depressaria radiella, it is a good start I think.
Thanks Alan, I thought it was one of the Arches at first but gave up on this trail as the food plant was not right for Arches.
Sylvie