Orange Tip caterpillar?

[peterc]

I was searching for Orange Tip eggs this morning on my local patch and found 3 or 4 on garlic mustard in a few minutes then I found a caterpillar on one but I am not sure if it is an OT one though. As it happens an OT egg was laid higher up on the same plant.

I am afraid not the best quality photos - I need more practice

ATB

Peter

[bugboy]

Your caterpillar, I believe, is actually a Hoverfly larvae . I've got some pictures of 1st instar OT pics in a recent post in my PD if you fancy checking it out.

[Tony Moore]

Agreed. 1st instar OT larva is dirty yellow with lots of black dots.

T.M.

[peterc]

Thanks Buggy and Tony,

The more I look at it the more it's wishful thinking on my part

At least there should be further opportunities to take more shots in the next few weeks

ATB

Peter

[Tony Moore]

If you look at any Lady's Smock atm, you are almost bound to find OT larvae. Look for characteristic feeding damage in the sepals covering the base of the flower buds. I found a cat yesterday on the second plant I looked at - only 2mm long, however, so you (or certainly, I ) need good specs .

Tony M.