Early Moth (?) and a Caterpillar for id (1 Viewer)

[dantheman]

Hi, I have been catching small numbers of what I take to be Early Moths, despite it being a bit late for them (eg 6 on the 28th March) ... would be grateful for confirmation/re-identification if possible please.

The moth is on the lid of the trap - the section it is on is about 7/8ths of an inch wide. The caterpillar was in long grass a couple of feet from the trap a couple of weeks ago.

Cheers,

Dan

 

[Brian Stone]

Not the easiest of shots but I guess the larva is The Drinker Euthrix potatoria.
http://ukmoths.org.uk/show.php?id=1991

The moth is surely Early Moth.

 

[hjalava]

2. is an Early Moth Theria primaria.

 

[dantheman]

Cheers, as I suspected, late though they are. The caterpillar could well be a Drinker (ironically, covered in dew) as you say Brian, it was maybe an inch and a bit long and whilst a bit early, seems a good match.

Lots of Blackthorn for the Early Moths here.

 

[Brian Stone]

Dates not a problem for The Drinker. They overwinter as a partially grown larva.

 

[dantheman]

Cheers, my web research (not scientifically verified I know ) seemed to be telling me they are seen April - June. Guess that's more when people 'tend' to see them out and about then ...