Worm/caterpillar id?

SmartinMartin

Found these in a nettle patch yesterday, there's thousands of them. Not sure if the worms in the first photo are younger versions of the creatures or are a separate entity. Butterfly/moth, or just caterpillar? Awful looking yokes anyway.



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SmartinMartin

A closer shot :

HoteiMarkii

Small Tortoiseshell larvae/caterpillars most likely.

New Home

Peacock butterfly caterpillars, perhaps.

SmartinMartin

Had to Google them. I think you hit the nail on the head there, thanks. Looking forward to the tortoiseshell cloud!

https://www.alamy.com/stock-photo-small-tortoiseshell-aglais-urticae-larvae-mass-feeding-on-stinging-55856904.html

SmartinMartin

The peacock ones look even closer. I think it's safe to say they're future butterflies though, thanks for the replies.

ytpe2r5bxkn0c1

Most likely Peacock caterpillars.

HoteiMarkii

SmartinMartin wrote: »

The peacock ones look even closer. I think it's safe to say they're future butterflies though, thanks for the replies.

Peacock never even entered my head, but yes, they do look more like Peacock caterpillars.

New Home

*Thank you, Search Engine, you made me look as if I knew what I was talking about*

Pretzill

I'd go for tortoiseshell as they are eating the nettles.

ytpe2r5bxkn0c1

Pretzill wrote: »

I'd go for tortoiseshell as they are eating the nettles.

Several species rely on nettles not just Small Tortoiseshells, including Peacocks: Which these are.