Convict Caterpillars eating lilies and amaryllis. In recent days there have been several sightings from Florida in the US of the Convict Moth caterpillar. These are the boldly marked black and white striped caterpillars of the Spanish Moth (Xanthopastis regnatrix) … Read More
Spanish caterpillar on broccoli This green caterpillar of the Small White Butterfly, Artopeia rapae, was found by Katie Stainwright on broccoli imported into the UK from Spain . The butterfly also occurs in the UK and can be a pest … Read More
May caterpillars In May large numbers of moth and butterfly eggs hatch. These tiny caterpillars feast on the buds and new leaves of a wide variety of plants. As well as these young caterpillars there are also species which have … Read More
Venomous Adder, Common European Viper, Vipera berus A visit to the dramatic sea cliffs of Porthgwarra, one of Cornwall’s best seawatching and bird migration places, produced a real mix of wildlife. Out at sea hundreds of Manx Shearwaters and Auks … Read More
Appropriately for the official first day of Summer several butterflies were sighted in the garden in Falmouth, Cornwall. Pairs of Peacock Butterflies and Small Tortoiseshell Butterflies were in the mood for courting. A single Comma Butterfly tried to join in … Read More
First butterflies of Spring At last, real signs of Spring! For many of us it’s the first butterflies that mean Spring is really here. At the weekend Small Tortoiseshell Butterflies and Peacock Butterflies were seen both at Porthoustock on the … Read More
Several Iceland Gulls and Glaucous Gulls have been recorded around the coast of south west Cornwall this winter. Some of the fishing ports have had long stayers attracted by the unloading fishing boats. One of the best places to see … Read More
A late migrant Painted Lady butterfly was seen nectaring on Red Valerium at Porthallow on the Lizard, Cornwall on the 17th November. Peacock and Red Admiral butterflies were also seen basking in winter sunshine. The nearby sheltered beach of Porthoustock … Read More
The recent southerly winds off the continent brought an unusual insect to the garden. A Western Conifer Seed Bug was found on a wall close to a light trap set to attract migratory moths. A recent UK colonist it may … Read More
Recent moth, butterfly and caterpillar sightings have included several Death’s Head Hawkmoth caterpillars. Two have been from the Isle of Wight. Violet Mareck found one munching leaves on her Olive Tree. While Sharon Pagnell recorded a yellow form on a … Read More
The 1000th identification enquiry of the year arrived at the weekend. Appropriately it was the Vapourer moth caterpillar, Orgyia antigua. A species that for the last 8 years has featured in the top three most frequently enquired about species An … Read More
Weather continues very hot here in Cornwall. On the coast cooling winds are always welcome. At Trevose Headland on the North Atlantic coast several Dark Green Fritillary Butterflies, Argynnis aglaja, were active along the headland. As were several Hummingbird Hawkmoths. … Read More