caterpillars

Moths & Caterpillars

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It’s an exciting time in the garden. Moat of the butterflies gave moved on, but caterpillars are here. Mostly cabbage whites, large and small at first.

But in the last few days have spotted 3 grey dagger moth caterpillars on the little cherry tree.

And glanced over the little raspberry bush and spotted a rusty tussock!

Was also treated to a square spot rustic moth that appeared under the back door when opened. Looks like Autumn will be a busy one for moths.

(c) K Wicks

Broccoli update

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It seems I have already lost the broccoli. It started well…

The seeds shot up, strong and healthy.
Once outside, it seems the cabbage white prefer the brocoli to the nasturtium.
it didn’t take long for the munching to begin.
caught in the act

I don’t mind at this point, nature needs a helping hand too and I am just getting started learning what to do with plants to keep them safe. Limited space in the garden means I have to share for now, but when I can have a separate space for growing food, i’ll plant extra out for the insects, so they can still join in.

(c) K Wicks

July caterpillars & butterflies

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There have been fewer butterflies by this time last year, but the weather did really delay all the flowers coming out so its not surprising.

But July had made up for it, firstly with a tortoiseshell a couple of weeks ago, warming up on the fence.

But last week, I was contemplating getting rid of the overgrown and looking almost past it sow thistle. Then decided to look closely at all the fading heads and small aphid patches – thinking there is still a lot of life here. Then I saw them.

Lots of little caterpillars. The sun was coming up and made for a few awesome pictures.

I think they are starting to look like bright-line brown-eye moth caterpillars after looking through many options, but we will see. One has made it over to my small growing cherry tree and has munched its way through half a leaf or two, but that’s ok. There’s plenty there and it is food for them.

The cherry tree muncher

The detail on them is amazing when you get up close. I was also treated to large and small white butterflies making an appearance at last. Drawn in by the lavender rather than the nasturtiums. It landed as I had my camera in hand watching the bees, a rare treat compared to waiting, following and still not catching them. I hope for more to come.

(c) K Wicks

Caterpillars in the garden…

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This year has been pretty awesome for caterpillars in the garden. Lucky as I haven’t been out much this year (obviously), but no matter, nature came to me.

Partly I think because I seem to have planted well last year. Planning lots of nasturtiums and getting a couple of fruit plants – gooseberry and blueberry.

Although not much on the fruit, they seem to have attracted a new guest. And one I had not seen before. As it was hairy, I know not to touch! I also have captured a number of moths and butterflies this year which will get their own post. Not as many butterflies as last year for variety, but plenty of large and small whites on the nasturtiums.

(c) K Wicks