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Caterpillar behaviour
Posted: Sat Sep 28, 2013 3:47 pm
by Chris Jackson
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.
Re: Caterpillar behaviour
Posted: Sat Sep 28, 2013 4:14 pm
by Padfield
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.
Re: Caterpillar behaviour
Posted: Sat Sep 28, 2013 6:06 pm
by Chris Jackson
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
Re: Caterpillar behaviour
Posted: Sat Sep 28, 2013 7:16 pm
by David M
Perhaps New Zealanders should save themselves millions by introducing a few more of these parasites!
![Smile :)](./images/smilies/icon_smile.gif)
Re: Caterpillar behaviour
Posted: Mon Sep 30, 2013 6:54 pm
by JKT
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.
Re: Caterpillar behaviour
Posted: Mon Sep 30, 2013 7:13 pm
by Chris Jackson
Hello JKT,
Thanks for replying.
Anything flying in Finland at the moment ?
Greetings from Marseilles.
Chris
Re: Caterpillar behaviour
Posted: Tue Oct 01, 2013 7:57 am
by JKT
Mostly Geese trying to get out while they can.
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.