When this emailed photo arrived I assumed it was of a species of Tiger Swallowtail butterfly caterpillar from either Canada or the USA. The very similar Canadian Tiger Swallowtail, Eastern Tiger Swallowtail and Western Swallowtail are common butterflies in North … Read More
This sighting of a splendid Striped Hawk-moth caterpillar (Hyles livornica) came about thanks to an identification enquiry received from Gareth Marshall who was holidaying on the Roseland Peninsular in Cornwall. It’s the first time I’ve ever been on a caterpillar … Read More
When sightings come in of caterpillars found on cultivated flowers and from inside buildings quite often they turn out to be caterpillars of the migrant moth the Scarce Bordered Straw (Helicoverpa armigera). Carol Littlewood north of the border in Montrose … Read More
Recent sightings suggest that the caterpillars from the influx of migrant Bordered Straws (Heliothis peltigera) earlier in the year are now chomping through garden dahlias, petunias and penstemons in parts of the southern half of the country. Jeff Farley enquired … Read More
Some residents in the Seychelles have suffered allergic reactions from the urticating hairs of caterpillars that this year suddenly appeared in large numbers in parts of the island. Davina Sabino sent in these images of the moth, caterpillar and cocoons. … Read More
Welcome to the new look website! The posting of recent sightings may have been lacking recently but behind the scenes things couldn’t have been busier. While constructing the new look site capable of handling larger galleries, more of your sightings, … Read More
Amongst several recent records of Brown-tail caterpillars was an enquiry about another ‘problem’ caterpillar. Although, this time, one notorious for its eating habits rather than its ‘itchy’ hairs. These photos were taken by Gillian Caw in her garden on the … Read More
It’s that time of year again when the notorious caterpillars of the Brown-tail moth are becoming active again after their winter diapause. Vikki found some in her garden in Jaywick, Clacton on Sea and wrote ‘They formed a cocoon of … Read More
On the 9th April, 15 over wintered migrant Red Admiral caterpillars were found at a coastal location on the Lizard Peninsular, Cornwall. Although unusual to find the caterpillars of a migrant species at this time of year it wasn’t entirely … Read More
When photos of caterpillars start arriving from some of the most remote places in the British Isles then Spring must be on its way. Although, seeing the gale tossed Cornish sea this morning you might question it! This post wintering … Read More
Good news stories are always welcome, particularly when they combine children and wildlife. This one was received as background information to an enquiry from Carole Protherough about a caterpillar found on a school playing field in a small village in … Read More
Things are definitely on the up. This 25mm long Scarlet Tiger caterpillar photographed by Joe in Oxford was the pick of recent caterpillar sightings. Found on a watering can pressed against a wall it was probably warming up after a … Read More
Photos of this extraordinary Regal Moth caterpillar, Citheronia regalis, were sent in by Jonathan Pace. He recorded the caterpillar also known as the Hickory Horned Devil on a tree trunk in a cemetery in North Brunswick, New Jersey, USA. The … Read More
Photographs of several species of Hawk-moth caterpillars have been received in the last few days. Lime, Eyed and Poplar Hawk-moth caterpillars have all been recorded but the commonest by far has been the Elephant Hawk-moth caterpillar. Last year this was … Read More
Two interesting images of the Red Sword – grass caterpillar were received in June. Helen Sly recorded a Red Sword-grass caterpillar in the RSPB Arne reserve in Dorset while Mark Jones took the photo shown right of one found by … Read More
Caterpillars are on the increase. Some of the most commonly seen caterpillars seen in March and April include – The Angle Shades in variable shades. Some of the overwintering Hairy caterpillars such as Oak Eggar, Fox Moth and Ruby Tiger. … Read More