[England] What is this Reed Bunting eating? (1 Viewer)

katastrofa

Registered User

Supporter

• Jul 12, 2019

• #1

A bit unusual question... I know it's a female Reed Bunting, but has she found in this stem? A small caterpillar / worm?

 

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Jon Turner

Well-known member

• Jul 13, 2019

• #2

There's a moth species that lays it's eggs in reed stems. Can't remember which....

 

PYRTLE

Old Berkshire Boy

• Jul 13, 2019

• #3

Used to be Reed Tussock I think, perhaps one of the Wainscott family?

 

Jon Turner

Well-known member

• Jul 13, 2019

• #4

PYRTLE said:

Used to be Reed Tussock I think, perhaps one of the Wainscott family?

Click to expand...

Sounds right - can be a real pest I think.

 

rollingthunder

Well-known member

• Jul 13, 2019

• #5

Looks like it’s eating Juncus food

Laurie:t:

 

katastrofa

Registered User

Supporter

• Jul 13, 2019

• #6

Moth eggs! They must be considered a delicacy among buntings

 

Edwin Sapatsch

Well-known member

• Jul 14, 2019

• #7

Catipillar

Neither Moth eggs or any of the hairy caterpillars. De-Pixelated a tad.

 

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PYRTLE

Old Berkshire Boy

• Jul 14, 2019

• #8

Young seed stalk forming within the green top of the Phragmites head perhaps?

 

CerambyX

Well-known member

• Jul 14, 2019

• #9

I'd say Helcystogramma sp. caterpillar.

 

Edwin Sapatsch

Well-known member

• Jul 14, 2019

• #10

CerambyX said:

I'd say Helcystogramma sp. caterpillar.

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Well done, think you have sussed it. I have been searching all morning to no avail.....well apart from learning a lot about Moths and their Caterpillars. Thanks

 

rollingthunder

Well-known member

• Jul 15, 2019

• #11

Me too! But to no avail but based on the suggested family the caterpillar looks to be this https://ukmoths.org.uk/species/helcystogramma-rufescens

Laurie:t:

 

katastrofa

Registered User

Supporter

• Jul 15, 2019

• #12

Thanks!

 

Edwin Sapatsch

Well-known member

• Jul 15, 2019

• #13

rollingthunder said:

Me too! But to no avail but based on the suggested family the caterpillar looks to be this https://ukmoths.org.uk/species/helcystogramma-rufescens

Laurie:t:

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:t: