Small Tortoiseshell caterpillars

Mark&Lou · Post by **Mark&Lou** » Fri Aug 11, 2006 4:48 pm

Hello This is my first visit to a forum like this

we currently have a few hundred of these catapillars eating their way through the nettles in our garden.

If anyone could confirm the species I would be most greatful

Picture taken with a compact Fujifilm F810 (6MP), F2.8 @ 1/250 (ISO400)

Thanks

Post by **Pete Eeles** » Fri Aug 11, 2006 4:57 pm

Hi Mark & Lou,

Red Admiral larvae live solitary lives. These are Small Tortoiseshell caterpillars - a rare sight these days! I hope you let them carry on munching!

Nice photo, by the way!

Cheers,

- Pete

Mark&Lou · Post by **Mark&Lou** » Fri Aug 11, 2006 5:05 pm

Wow quick reply thanks very much

Im just so glad that I have left the garden grow wild for the last few months, now I have an excuse to not do it.

Im facinated by these little guys and will be keeping a very close eye on them

Are we likely to see these turn to pupa stage?

thanks again

Post by **Pete Eeles** » Fri Aug 11, 2006 5:12 pm

"Wild" gardens are always more interesting - for me anyway

Pupae are normally quite difficult to find, since the larvae will tend to wander off and find a secluded site somewhere nearby to pupate. Having said that, I have found Small Tortoiseshell pupae on nettles before now.

When the numbers start to decrease, this is probably because the fully-grown larvae are pupating. Although there is some concern that Small Tortoiseshell succumb to parasites and disease, which may be the reason for the worrying decline in this species. But this could be a good time to place a few larvae in an airtight container with fresh nettle in (change each day) and with some absorbent material in the bottom. You'll then get to see the larvae prepare for pupation, where they'll hang upside-down in a "J" shape, and pupate within a couple of days.

Just remember to place the pupae somewhere where the adult can emerge safely and inflate its wings.

Cheers,

- Pete

Mark&Lou · Post by **Mark&Lou** » Fri Aug 11, 2006 5:43 pm

We are doing it right now!!!
We have got a little fish tank which has holes at the top. It is suitable?
How many do you think we could put in it?
Should they be kept outside or inside the house?

There are a lot of different sizes and think they may be dead......lets hope the big ones keep munching!

We never knew we could have so much fun in our own wilderness.

Can't wait for the next installment of pictures.

Post by **Pete Eeles** » Fri Aug 11, 2006 6:31 pm

The main reason for using an airtight container is to keep the foodplant fresh. Nettle, in particular, doesn't too very well when cut and an airtight container will reduce the time it takes to dry out and wilt.

If you have an airtight container that would be preferable, in my opinion. If you've not bred larvae through before, I'd also recommend that you keep the number small. Probably 5 on this first attempt.

You can keep the container indoors (it will probably speed up the development of the larvae since the temperature will be higher). Whatever you do, *never* put the container in direct sunlight, since the temperature will go through the roof, and kill everything in the container!

Yes - you may well have some larvae that have already succumbed to parasites or disease.

Cheers,

- Pete

Mark&Lou · Post by **Mark&Lou** » Fri Aug 11, 2006 6:48 pm

Oh no.....it is the only thing we could find.

We have clingfilmed the top which is the best thing we can think of at the moment.

We have only put four in it and they are now exploring their new home.

They are addictive to watch especially when they are feeding, they are just so cute.

Fingers crossed!

Sorry for asking so many questions but what type of air tight container would you suggests?

Lou

Post by **Pete Eeles** » Fri Aug 11, 2006 7:02 pm

A typical sandwich box would do - such as a tupperware box.

Although clingfilm is a good substitute at the mo, the larvae will tend to pupate on the roof of their new home, and I'm not sure if clingfilm will be suitable.

Cheers,

- Pete

Mark&Lou · Post by **Mark&Lou** » Fri Aug 11, 2006 7:10 pm

sorry,

To alleviate your concerns the holes are very small (around 2mm) and the clingfilm is wrapped around the outside of the container (lid) and they are unable to get out let alone touch the clingfilm.

Mark

Post by **Pete Eeles** » Fri Aug 11, 2006 7:17 pm

Ah! OK - sounds like a good solution!

Cheers,

- Pete

Oy · Post by Oy » Fri Aug 11, 2006 8:23 pm

Sounds really inetersting!

Make sure you take plenty of photos and keep us posted on their progress!

Mark&Lou · Post by **Mark&Lou** » Fri Aug 11, 2006 8:39 pm

I am so desperate to take another picture of them in their new home but they are just pooh! pics...I am resisting til tomor when there is natural light. They look so happy.

It should be light outside.....where are the summer evenings gone

Oy · Post by Oy » Fri Aug 11, 2006 8:42 pm

I could always nip over and take some for you LOL!

I'm about 5 miles away

Mark&Lou · Post by **Mark&Lou** » Fri Aug 11, 2006 8:52 pm

At first I thougth that was really cool and am trying to work out the places in a five mile radius......but now I am getting competetive with a prof photographer and you can't take pics of them till I have taken the best one in the world of Small Tortoiseshell.
I have seen your website!

(I have a feeling I will loose)

Lou

Oy · Post by Oy » Fri Aug 11, 2006 8:58 pm

LOL!

I'm just the other side of Billinge hill

Hint: I'm quite partial to the odd pie

Mark&Lou · Post by **Mark&Lou** » Fri Aug 11, 2006 9:17 pm

Small world!!!

We are neighbours

but can we be friends with a pie eater!!!!

Oy · Post by Oy » Fri Aug 11, 2006 9:29 pm

Well - I must confess - this particular Pie Eater was born in St Helens - at Cowley Hill

Mark&Lou · Post by **Mark&Lou** » Fri Aug 11, 2006 9:45 pm

Well I have to confess I am an honourary St Helenser. I am from Brummy land so I can't really say anything about you being a pie eater!! I could call you a wholley back but I think I am one too........I am not even sure what it means

I can't belive I am watching Caterpillars eating on a Friday night....nettles really smell

Lou

Mark&Lou · Post by **Mark&Lou** » Sat Aug 12, 2006 2:22 pm

This is the latest picture of one of my family. It was hard to get a good picture because there is not much room in the tank for a camera....especially as it is full if nettles!!

Nearly all the ones in the garden have disappeared.

When would you guess they will start to pupate as we are going to have to go on a mission to find more nettles soon!

Lou

Post by **Pete Eeles** » Sat Aug 12, 2006 9:56 pm

They look pretty full-grown to me, so I'd say within the next few days.

Cheers,

- Pete