I met these two 'showy' characters whilst walking in Great Langdale, Cumbria last week. I'm not certain what they become in due course; but they'd best hurry up 'cos it's becoming quite chilly overnight - and daylight is fleetingly shortening each day of Autumn. Any ideas what species, please?
I think the dark one is White Ermine moth (the thin line down the back is the giveaway.) Not sure about Mr ginger - possibly Ruby Tiger moth or Sycamore moth.
A trowel in the hand is worth a thousand lost under a bush.
Thanks for both IDs, BobTG & Jo47: Granted I was a bit 'cheeky' poaching on the thread. I was just surprised to see these fellas so late in the season as it were - ? products of the 'Indian Summer' we've been treated to this year, no doubt??
Too true, Pansyface - the black fella was going at a fair lick - had my camera in 'sports' mode! Est speed 2.9 metres per minute!!! (maybe? relative of Mr Bolt???).
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It's the caterpillar of the Pale Tussock moth (Dasychira pudibunda),both moth and caterpillar are beauties!
http://www.uksafari.com/paletussock.htm
You couldn't make it up, could you? Wonderful!
Wow!
Stunning! Isn't nature tremendous- lucky you, Amanda
Jo -
I met these two 'showy' characters whilst walking in Great Langdale, Cumbria last week. I'm not certain what they become in due course; but they'd best hurry up 'cos it's becoming quite chilly overnight - and daylight is fleetingly shortening each day of Autumn. Any ideas what species, please?
I think the dark one is White Ermine moth (the thin line down the back is the giveaway.) Not sure about Mr ginger - possibly Ruby Tiger moth or Sycamore moth.
I find them all amazing Jo, in fact the whole metamorphosis process is absolutely mind-blowing!
Thanks for both IDs, BobTG & Jo47: Granted I was a bit 'cheeky' poaching on the thread. I was just surprised to see these fellas so late in the season as it were - ? products of the 'Indian Summer' we've been treated to this year, no doubt??
One of them has crept off David.
Too true, Pansyface - the black fella was going at a fair lick - had my camera in 'sports' mode! Est speed 2.9 metres per minute!!! (maybe? relative of Mr Bolt???).