Emperor Moth? (1 Viewer)

Fraser Milne

Member

• Jun 7, 2004

• #1

Is this the emperor moth caterpillar?

 

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birdman

Орнитол&

• Jun 7, 2004

• #2

Maybe... maybe not...???

http://www.wildlifetrust.org.uk/dorset/Text/photopages/higher%20hyde%20insects/04.html

 

harry eales

Ancient Entomologist

• Jun 7, 2004

• #3

birdman said:

Maybe... maybe not...???

http://www.wildlifetrust.org.uk/dorset/Text/photopages/higher%20hyde%20insects/04.html

Click to expand...

Hello Birdman,
It is an Emperor Moth larvae, the white spots on each segment will turn purple as the larvae gets larger to co-incide with the Heather blooming. It's very good camouflage indeed. I see large numbers of them on the Northumberland moors each year.

Harry

 

Last edited: Jun 7, 2004

birdman

Орнитол&

• Jun 7, 2004

• #4

Posted a similar photo to BF last year after visiting East Wel...er..hum... that place where the White-winged Black Tern was (but wasn't when I was there!) up Northumberland way.

I was told then Emperor Moth, but I couldn't find the thread, and the pic I googled sowed a seed of doubt.

Chuffed I saw the caterpillar... would love to see the moth!

 

harry eales

Ancient Entomologist

• Jun 7, 2004

• #5

birdman said:

Posted a similar photo to BF last year after visiting East Wel...er..hum... that place where the White-winged Black Tern was (but wasn't when I was there!) up Northumberland way.

I was told then Emperor Moth, but I couldn't find the thread, and the pic I googled sowed a seed of doubt.

Chuffed I saw the caterpillar... would love to see the moth!

Click to expand...

You've just missed it Birdman they fly April into May. If you find any larvae they are very easy to rear. They will readily accept Sallow as an alternative foodplant. Larvae will be full fed by mid July-August and will spin up, pupating within a marvellous cocoon, all you need then is patience until next April.

Harry