On this afternoon's Gardeners' World, when answering a question about a lichen-covered Salix, Bob Flowerdew said: "We didn't realise it till recently, but actually the lichens are quite a valuable food source for the caterpillars of some of our rarer butterflies".
I knew that some moth larvae were lichen feeders, but butterfly larvae too? This was news to me. Is it true?
Here's a link to the programme:
http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b01m6crj
The question begins at 06:18 and Bob Flowerdew starts at: 08:48.
Paul
Lichens as a larval food source for butterflies?
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Re: Lichens as a larval food source for butterflies?
None of the British butterflies as far as I'm aware. I suspect he meant certain moth species (which do) such as the Tree-lichen Beauty and other Bryophilids.
Cheers,
- Pete
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