Worm/caterpillar id?

SmartinMartin · 12-06-2019 11:02am #1

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 · 12-06-2019 11:05am

A closer shot :

HoteiMarkii · 12-06-2019 11:11am

Small Tortoiseshell larvae/caterpillars most likely.

New Home · 12-06-2019 11:14am

Peacock butterfly caterpillars, perhaps.

SmartinMartin · 12-06-2019 11:16am

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 · 12-06-2019 11:20am

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

ytpe2r5bxkn0c1 · 12-06-2019 12:12pm

Most likely Peacock caterpillars.

HoteiMarkii · 12-06-2019 12:48pm

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 · 12-06-2019 3:37pm

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

Pretzill · 15-06-2019 12:29am

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

ytpe2r5bxkn0c1 · 15-06-2019 8:39am

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.

Worm/caterpillar id?

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