Dead or asleep (1 Viewer)

[checklg]

I found this on Arthur's Seat. It wasn't being very lively. Any ideas for an ID ?

http://www.pbase.com/image/29823411

Regards,
Graham.

 

[Surreybirder]

I'll resist the temptation to suggest that it will be dead if Arthur sits down
My guess is it's alive, or surely it would have fallen off the leaf. But no idea what species it is.

 

[harry eales]

I found this on Arthur's Seat. It wasn't being very lively. Any ideas for an ID ?

http://www.pbase.com/image/29823411

Regards,
Graham.

Hello Graham,
Your picture is of a moth larvae, possibly one of the 'Noctuid' moth species. The lack of movement could be due to the fact that it is about to moult. Larvae have to do this several times during this stage of their life-cycle. It can take upto three days for the moult to take place. Disturbing a larvae at this time can be fatal to it.

Not all larvae are active all the time, many prefer to remain motionless during the day in an attempt to avoid being detected by predators, and do most of their moving around and feeding at night.

Harry

 

[SleepyLizard]

Just a guess - how about Mythimna pallens Common Wainscot.

Can't find a photo on the web to show.