A worldwide community photographing and learning about wildlife
Cerura vinula
The second photo shows the defensive posture they strike when disturbed. They rear up, assuming an impressive thorny appearance and extend red flagellae from their twin 'tails'. If this posturing is ignored they can squirt formic acid at the attacker from the flagellae. The last photo shows an the early instar, much magnified. With the naked eye, these just look like a dead bit of leaf or twig.
On Creeping Willow - Salix repens
Seeing these caterpillars fulfilled a childhood dream! I had an album of collectors cards from boxes of PG Tips tea, which featured this beauty. I was really into butterflies 'n' beasties as well as all things to do with space travel & sci-fi. The Puss Moth caterpillar looked just like it had a space helmet on to me and I wanted to see one really badly. It wasn't until this year that that finally happened!
44 Comments (1–25)
Nice story! watermelon caterpillar!
Fantastic shots Craig! The second pic shows the defensive posture in such amazing detail. Thank you for sharing :)
Wow! The second captures this amazing!
:O
Gorgeous!
Thanks FoTony!
I know how you feel Rebecka! These were in Kew Gardens.
You saw this in London? Wow! The only things I see in London are cars and people...
Very nice capture! A specially the angle of the first photo!
Thank you Leuba, Ig, Mary, Doina, Sachin and ShaumingLo!
Great work Craig ! - Really lovely pictures and thanks for the interesting information.
Spectacular Craig! Sure is nice to fulfill dreams!!!!
wonderful series of great shots. what a great spotting!
great spotting! congratulations!
Congratulations craigwilliams
Good job and congrats Craigwilliams
Thanks for the kind comments everyone!
Congratulations.
oh, awesome !!
great shot, love the water droplet
Awesome!
very nice pics...Congrats. :)
Wow. Impressive pictures. Great series.
Congratulations Craig...!!
Great stuff mate.