Hi all,
Today I found a number of these caterpillars on fennel in the South of France. The majority seemed to be "nurturing" a cluster of eggs or mini cocoons. Does anyone know what they are and what they are doing ?
Thanks, Chris.
Caterpillar behaviour
- Chris Jackson
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- Location: Marseilles, France
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Re: Caterpillar behaviour
I'm afraid this is Invasion of the Body Snatchers.
Watch:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8qalkiuXueg
Guy
EDIT - I forgot to say, they're large whites.
Watch:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8qalkiuXueg
Guy
EDIT - I forgot to say, they're large whites.
Guy's Butterflies: https://www.guypadfield.com
The Butterflies of Villars-Gryon : https://www.guypadfield.com/villarsgryonbook.html
The Butterflies of Villars-Gryon : https://www.guypadfield.com/villarsgryonbook.html
- Chris Jackson
- Posts: 1929
- Joined: Mon May 06, 2013 6:35 am
- Location: Marseilles, France
Re: Caterpillar behaviour
Thanks for your reply Guy. I've seen the video and I think I will have nightmares tonight. How scarey. Its like something out of Alien !
CJ
CJ
Re: Caterpillar behaviour
Perhaps New Zealanders should save themselves millions by introducing a few more of these parasites! ![Smile :)](./images/smilies/icon_smile.gif)
![Smile :)](./images/smilies/icon_smile.gif)
Re: Caterpillar behaviour
That has been tried in the past ... and I seem to recall that occasionally the newly introduced species may find something they like even better.
- Chris Jackson
- Posts: 1929
- Joined: Mon May 06, 2013 6:35 am
- Location: Marseilles, France
Re: Caterpillar behaviour
Hello JKT,
Thanks for replying.
Anything flying in Finland at the moment ?
Greetings from Marseilles.
Chris
Thanks for replying.
Anything flying in Finland at the moment ?
Greetings from Marseilles.
Chris
Re: Caterpillar behaviour
Mostly Geese trying to get out while they can. ![Laughing :lol:](./images/smilies/icon_lol.gif)
If the temperature picks up again from the current +5 C, some of the autumn moths could be seen. Epirrita, Operophtera, Erannis, Conistra etc. The butterflies are gone.
![Laughing :lol:](./images/smilies/icon_lol.gif)
If the temperature picks up again from the current +5 C, some of the autumn moths could be seen. Epirrita, Operophtera, Erannis, Conistra etc. The butterflies are gone.