Caterpillars on the move: Part 2

Here is the second of four articles highlighting moths whose caterpillars you have a good chance of seeing at this time of year. These moths overwinter as caterpillars and, with autumn upon us, they are on the move…

Oak eggar moth

This species, like the fox moth, is quite common in the wider countryside where it generally feeds on bramble and sallow; but on the heathland it feeds on heather and bilberry.

The caterpillars change colour as they mature. Earlier in the year it would have looked like this:

Photograph of a hairy oak eggar caterpillar.

Oak eggar moth caterpillar © romanok66

But by October it is darker with black rings and a broken white stripe along each side:

Photograph of a hairy oak eggar caterpillar with white flecks.

Later caterpillar © Chris Bollen

They emerge in the spring and form a cocoon in the shape of an acorn, hence the name oak eggar – other than that, it has no association with oak trees!

Adults emerge in May and the males are very strong and swift day-flyers.

Photograph of a red-brown moth with yellow markings

ID tip: White dots on the forewings separate it from yesterday’s featured fox moth.

Find out more on Butterfly Conservation’s website: Oak eggar moth.

Warden Mike

#MoreThanJustNightjars