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Oak Eggar Moth caterpillar


Oak Eggar Moth caterpillar
Photo Information
Copyright: Robert Brown (Robbrown) Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Star Workshop Editor/Gold Note Writer [C: 1305 W: 96 N: 2175] (6054)
Genre: Animals
Medium: Color
Date Taken: 2007-05-29
Categories: Insects
Camera: Nikon D200, Nikon AF-S VR 105mm 2.8G IF-ED Micro, Digital ISO 320
Exposure: f/16, 1/60 seconds
Details: (Fill) Flash: Yes
More Photo Info: [view]
Photo Version: Original Version
Date Submitted: 2007-05-30 15:23
Viewed: 1791
Points: 8
[Note Guidelines] Photographer's Note
Thanks to Ivan (Argus for sorting out the correct identiefication for this hairy beast, I found yesterday walking into my Potting Shed at work, so I have no idear what its food plant was, though it quiet happily eats both Birch (Betula pendula) and Photinia 'Red Robin' one a native tree the other a tough evergreen from Newzealand.
As to size when it curls up defensively it is the size of an English 2 pence coin and length 8 -9 cm.
Turns out to be the final instar of a Moth called the Oak Eggar (Lasiocampa quercus). Though from the name you would think it's main food plant was Oak, total misnomer as the name come from the fact that the Chrysalis looks like an Acorn from the Oak tree. the Adults are mainly day and early evening flying. It can take upto 2 years for the full life cycle dependent on warmth of the climate . in the south they over winter once as a small larvae, up here in the north a second winter of hibernation as a large larvae then pupation in May and emergance in July/August.
Food plats are wide and varied , from Hazel through Sloe, brambles, heather and even garden private. This wide range of food plants mean that it is possible to find this moth in a wide range of places from open heathland through woodland and even city centres if the food supply is right.
Hope you like.
thanks for your help with the ident.
LordPotty, anel has marked this note useful
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Discussions
ThreadThread Starter Messages Updated
To LordPotty: Hi SteveRobbrown 1 05-31 18:10
To Argus: Thanks IvanRobbrown 1 05-30 19:08
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Critiques [Translate]

Hi Robb,
This is a funny looking caterpillar,and not one I have seen before.
I guees from its name,we can surmise that it feeds on oak,or maybe lays its eggs on oak?
I know the photinia plant well.but didn't realise it was a New Zealand species.
I used to have a few plants in my garden (turned into a hedge) but they grew so fast I had to pune them every week.
Cheers, Steve

Hi Rob,
Very interesting hairy caterpillar, excellently captured. Nice natural colors.

BL

  • Great 
  • anel Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Note Writer [C: 1178 W: 0 N: 1991] (8461)
  • [2007-05-31 5:32]

Hello Rob,
The colours of this beautiful caterpillar are very subtle and fine. Very often moths have most beautiful caterpillar. I looked on the net for Lasiocampa quercus. The moth is also beautiful.
Thank's for this good shot and best regards
Anne

  • Great 
  • Argus Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Star Workshop Editor/Gold Note Writer [C: 2620 W: 135 N: 7538] (23519)
  • [2007-05-31 13:57]
  • [+]

Hello Rob,
This is a nice close-up not of the Lappet moth caterpillar, but that of another lasiocampid moth, the Oak Eggar, Lasiocampa quercus. It feeds on a wide range of trees and shrubs including bramble, heather and bilberry.
TFS and best wishes, Ivan

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