Seems to be the closest ID I can find - originally thought Red Admiral but I'm totally rubbish at IDs
Feeding on Nettles (if you hadn't guessed) and with another half dozen or so on different plants - at Potteric Carr (Doncaster)
Painted Lady Caterpillar?
- Pete Eeles
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Re: Painted Lady Caterpillar?
Looks like Small Tortoiseshell to me, which feed gregariously and disperse in the last instar.
Painted Lady do not feed communally; the eggs are laid singly and usually on thistles.
Cheers,
- Pete
Painted Lady do not feed communally; the eggs are laid singly and usually on thistles.
Cheers,
- Pete
Life Cycles of British & Irish Butterflies: http://www.butterflylifecycles.com
British & Irish Butterflies Rarities: http://www.butterflyrarities.com
British & Irish Butterflies Rarities: http://www.butterflyrarities.com
Re: Painted Lady Caterpillar?
Brilliant! Thanks, Pete! Definitely looks like Small Torty despite the fact they were pretty large caterpillars!