Caterpillars in November

16 Wednesday Nov 2022

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Knot grass larva, Knot grass moth, moth caterpillars, moth larvae, Noctiud caterpillar

Though I know many Lepidoptera over-winter as caterpillars, and this has been a particularly mild November as well, it was still a surprise to see these two caterpillars on one of my recent walks. From previous sightings, I knew that the black, red and white hairy beastie was the larva of a Knot grass moth (Acronicta rumicis) but I didn’t recognise the other one. One of my Twitter pals was able to tell me it’s one of the Noctuid species of moths but wasn’t able to be more specific, but I’ve just ordered a book I’ve long desired, The Field Guide to Caterpillars of Great Britain and Ireland, so will hopefully be able to update this post soon.

221116 noctuid sp knot grass

255/366 Knot grass larvae

11 Friday Sep 2020

Posted by sconzani in insects

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British moths, Knot grass larva, Knot grass moth, Lavernock Nature Reserve, moth caterpillar, moth larvae

When I spotted this caterpillar yesterday, I didn’t think I’d seen one like it before but, when one of my Twitter pals later identified it for me, I realised I had seen one previously, though a younger model.

These are the larvae of the Knot grass moth (Acronicta rumicis), a moth I’ve never seen (you can see what the adult moth looks like and read more about it on the UK Moths website). I think the larva above, found munching on Dyer’s greenweed at Cosmeston on 4 June, is an early instar, whereas the larva below, found feeding on Common ragwort at Lavernock Nature Reserve on 10 September and a real stunner, is almost ready to pupate for the winter.

200911 knot grass larva (3)

157/366 Tufty

05 Friday Jun 2020

Posted by sconzani in insects, nature

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Acronicta rumicis, British moths, Knot grass larva, Knot grass moth, moth caterpillar, moth larva

This tiny tufty character was a surprise find during yesterday’s walk.

200605 knot grass moth larva (1)

I guessed it was a moth caterpillar but had no idea which, so posted some photos on Twitter. It only took a few minutes for my moth-er contacts to give it a name – this is the larva of the Knot grass moth (Acronicta rumicis).