The Parish Of
South Petherwin
Page Last Updated 16/03/2008 04:13
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The Parish Of
South Petherwin
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The Hawkmoth Caterpillar Mrs. Travis inspects her Fuschia for more Hawkmoth Caterpillars Photos by Dave Groves and Brian Stringer “Monster identified? Mrs Travis of Trelinnow Gardens, South Petherwin thought she'd seen a monster on her fuschias but on investigation by Brian Stringer, who runs the Parish-Wildlife Project encouraging parishes to record what wildlife they see in their own back, the caterpillars were identified as Elephant Hawkmoth Caterpillars. (Photo by Dave Groves) This caterpillar can be up to 3” long and comes in two quite different colour forms – green or dark grey. It has an upward curving spine at the rear and two large spots on the front that resemble eyes. The head can be retracted, forming a bulge or extended like a trunk and this is where it gets its name from. The traditional food-plant of the caterpillar is rosebay willow herb or hedge bedstraw, but it is commonly found on fuschia. They have been reported in several of the local parishes and tens of them are sometimes seen on the same bush.
The Adult Hawkmoth The adult moth seen in May-June bears no resemblance to the caterpillar, having strong pink and green marking and white legs and antennae. |
©
Phil Cartlidge 2002 All rights reserved.