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Beautiful caterpillar

JoeXJoeX Posts: 1,326
in Wildlife gardening
Been away for a week and assessing the damage, I’ve come across this beauty.



Id rather it didn’t much my violas, so is there anywhere I can escort it to so it can cocoon elsewhere?  I’ve a few shady/woody parts but I don’t know if they’re appropriate with only weeds to munch on.

Thanks TP
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  • DovefromaboveDovefromabove Central Norfolk UKPosts: 63,790
    edited June 2018
    It's mum knew the right place to lay her eggs ... I'd leave it where it is.  I find that violas don't last much longer than this once temperatures start to rise, and from the size of it I think it'll be pupating before too long.  
    “I am not lost, for I know where I am. But however, where I am may be lost.” Winnie the Pooh







  • BobTheGardenerBobTheGardener Leicestershire, UKPosts: 9,728
    edited June 2018
    Looks like the caterpillar of the the Magpie Moth (Abraxas grossulariata.)  If it is, they feed on Ribes leaves so move it to a current bush (edible or ornamental) and it should be fine.

    A trowel in the hand is worth a thousand lost under a bush.
  • wild edgeswild edges The north west of south east WalesPosts: 5,415
    Mullein caterpillar. They like buddleia if you need to move it somewhere.
  • JoeXJoeX Posts: 1,326
    BobTheGardener said:
    Looks like the caterpillar of the the Magpie Moth (Abraxas grossulariata.)  If it is, they feed on Ribes leaves so move it to a current bush (edible or ornamental) and it should be fine.

    Thanks, I’m not sure it is because this one is different in several ways.

    The head is not black.
    The body is a definite pale blue.
    The stripes are a continuous, strong yellow.
    The legs/clampers are not black.

    I can’t find anything a better match though!
  • raisingirlraisingirl East Devon, on the Edge of Exmoor.Posts: 3,894
    Tin pot said:

    I can’t find anything a better match though!
    I think WE gave you the ident - 'verbascum caterpillar' as someone else called it here the other day
    “This isn't life in the fast lane, it's life in the oncoming traffic.”
    ― Terry Pratchett
  • Pete.8Pete.8 Billericay, EssexPosts: 6,024
    I think that was me... here's a couple finishing my verbascum
    Knowledge is knowing that a tomato is a fruit.
    Wisdom is not putting it in a fruit salad.
  • raisingirlraisingirl East Devon, on the Edge of Exmoor.Posts: 3,894
    edited June 2018
    That was it - sorry Pete. I have Sunday Fluff for Brains :blush:
    “This isn't life in the fast lane, it's life in the oncoming traffic.”
    ― Terry Pratchett
  • wild edgeswild edges The north west of south east WalesPosts: 5,415
    I'm not sure it is a mullein actually. The yellow stripe is wrong. Probably the same genus but a less common species. Can you get any more pics?
  • JoeXJoeX Posts: 1,326
    wild edges said:
    I'm not sure it is a mullein actually. The yellow stripe is wrong. Probably the same genus but a less common species. Can you get any more pics?
    I’ve just tried to find it again but it’s moved on, leaving a brown line on the stem it was on.
  • DovefromaboveDovefromabove Central Norfolk UKPosts: 63,790
    6 spot Burnet moth maybe?
    “I am not lost, for I know where I am. But however, where I am may be lost.” Winnie the Pooh







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