A Very Hungry Caterpillar

 

This is the caterpillar of the Grey dagger moth, it was one of several that were making a meal of our small willow tree.

The gets its name from the black dagger like markings on its dusty grey wings, but the caterpillar as you can see is very brightly coloured with a striking red and yellow colour scheme and a dramatic black hump a short way along its back.

This is a fairly common species and can be seen munching on leaves through the summer months from July to October before they find shelter under loose bark or in rotten wood in November where they overwinter as pupae before emerging in spring as a moth.

Look Don't Touch

I am always amazed by these stunning creatures, such beautiful and striking colours, so tiny and delicate and yet so very deadly.

...always rings twice

Yes I know I posted pictures of these butterflies yesterday but I love the contrast of the striking red against the black and flashes of vibrant white. I am also mesmerised by the eyes with the hexagonal pattern. Another thing I really like about this one is the pattern of white dots along the trailing edges of its wings that continues along the sides of its body and the back of its head, such a great design.

It's a real stunner.

Come back tomorrow for some different varieties, I know you won't be disappointed.

Beautiful Butterflies

These pictures were taken back in 2007 in the gardens at Speke Hall using my old Konica compact digital camera.  Even though it was just a 4MP camera which by today's standards is less than most mobile phones the quality of the images is I think quite striking with sharp detail and bold colours.

I really like these images and I am sure you will too. I know the first picture is of a Red Admiral, if you know what the brown one is please let me know in the comments below...