This Jersey Tiger moth caterpillar was a welcome surprise.
Not only had it survived the winter as a tiny, 3 mm long caterpillar but it was already 25 mm long and half grown by the time I found it.
A small batch of eggs had been laid by one of several migrant Jersey Tigers attracted to light last summer. Having hatched they’d been placed on some dandelion and plantain growing in a netted pot in the garden to overwinter.
Other moth caterpillars are featured in the caterpillar galleries
The outcome of rearing caterpillars of even common resident species that overwinter can be unpredictable. This was particularly pleasing as it was a migrant that had survived a Cornish winter, which hopefully means others will have and Jersey Tigers will soon become established in this part of Cornwall.
Other Tiger Moths found in Cornwall are –
The Garden Tiger, The Scarlet Tiger, The Cream-spot Tiger and Ruby Tiger.