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Help with Caterpillar ID’s Please.

Posted: Sun Sep 14, 2008 9:03 pm
by Keith Woonton
Hi Everyone,
Can any one help me to confirm the identity’s of these three caterpillars Please?

The White one with Black and Yellow spots I think might be a Mullein Moth - Pictured June 18th

The Black one with the red dorsal line I think may be a type of Ermine Moth – Pictured August 14th

The one with the red and white spots / lines I have no idea other than to say it looks magnificent – Pictured September 1st

I think their all moths but I’m afraid my knowledge of these wee beasties needs a lot more work on my part ( but I am trying ).

Re: Help with Caterpillar ID’s Please.

Posted: Sun Sep 14, 2008 9:38 pm
by Pete Eeles
Hi Keith,

I think you're right with the first 2 - and I don't know which ermine it is either (buff, maybe!).

The third is, I believe, a Knot Grass moth (see http://www.ukmoths.org.uk/show.php?id=795).

Cheers,

- Pete

Re: Help with Caterpillar ID’s Please.

Posted: Sun Sep 14, 2008 9:59 pm
by Keith Woonton
Thanks Pete,
Looking at the Knot Grass moth caterpillar I think you are very likely right.
Many thanks
Keith.

Re: Help with Caterpillar ID’s Please.

Posted: Mon Sep 15, 2008 7:37 pm
by chrisc1
I think white ermine is the one that has the red stripe dowm the back

Chris

Re: Help with Caterpillar ID’s Please.

Posted: Mon Sep 15, 2008 8:45 pm
by Dave McCormick
Yeah, I think it is the White ermine caterpillar, as the buff ermine has a more brownish caterpillar: http://www.ukmoths.org.uk/show.php?id=792 and I would agree on Mullein Moth for first one.

Re: Help with Caterpillar ID’s Please.

Posted: Mon Sep 15, 2008 8:51 pm
by Keith Woonton
Thanks Chris,

With your suggestion and Pete’s I have done a quick google search for “White Ermine caterpillar” and found this link, which would suggest you are right.

http://www.habitas.org.uk/moths/larva.asp?item=6146

Apart from a slight colour variation in the dorsal stripe, which could be due to different lighting, it would appear to be the same.
Thank you for taking the trouble to help me it is much appreciated.

Keith.

Re: Help with Caterpillar ID’s Please.

Posted: Mon Sep 15, 2008 9:00 pm
by Keith Woonton
Thanks Dave,

As everyone seen to agree, that settles it, White Ermine it is.

Thanks everyone, Keith.