Big Caterpillar & LBJ (3 Viewers)

[robhope]

An impressive caterpillar found on oak today at Titchfield NNR and a inconspicuous brown micro (albeit with a triangle shape) for ID. I have checked through my Porter caterpillar book and the back of Manley's British Moths but I cannot place it.

Any thoughts?

robhope

UK Lepidoptera 426 (Silver-studded Blue) UK Plants 412 (Nottingham Catchfly) & UK Birds 236 (Black-winged Stilt)

 

[Paul Chapman]

Nice caterpillar! It will inspire me to get Porter out when I get home.

On the micro - I believe that it is Prays fraxinella (dark form):-

http://ukmoths.org.uk/show.php?id=5846

All the best

 

[robhope]

Paul,

Spot on me thinks. I have several records of the normal form and the triangle should of suggested it.

On the micro - I believe that it is Prays fraxinella (dark form):-

http://ukmoths.org.uk/show.php?id=5846

robhope

 

[jforgham]

Caterpillar reminds me of just about to pupate emperor which might explain why it's on oak. However, do not take my word for it as that is just a guess, with no book to hand to check.
Cheers,
Jono