Yellow necked caterpillar moth

[andyast]

we have, I think, identified a group of Datana ministra on a tree at work but none of the british web pages seem to list it as native. i have found it on US web pages.
Does this species occur in the British isles?

any help welcome.

Thanks
Andy

[Matsukaze]

Looking at some photos online, the colour pattern is not too far removed from a number of British species - the nearest match I can find is the Clouded Magpie http://ukmoths.org.uk/show.php?id=2784. They also remind me of sawfly larvae. Could you post some photos of the caterpillars here?

[andyast]

Matsukaze,
Thanks for the quick reply.
I have set up a new album (Photo gallery, members albums, andyast) where you should be able to view the pic.
You'll have to let me know how to link to the picture?

Cheers,
Andy

[hjalava]

The picture in your gallery illustrates larvae of Phalera bucephala (Buff-tip).

[andyast]

Yes that looks the one.
Do the larva burrow into soil and then appear in the spring/summer next year?
Thanks all for your help.

Andy

[hjalava]

They burrow into the soil to pupate and overwinter as pupa.