Moths Hatch from our Overwintered Pupae

So far we have two moths emerged from the cocoons that were made last summer by the caterpillars that we had found and reared. The Pale Tussock Moth is a wonderfully hairy moth in gentle colours - very different to the yellow caterpillar with red tuft. sSimilarly the Mullein moth caterpillar is a very striking animal while the moth is wonderfully camouflaged in shades of brown and buff.

Antigua Day 5 Early Morning Macro

The previous evening we had found an area where the butterflies were roosting so we returned in the morning to see what we could capture with out macro lenses. THe insects etc were covered with dew drops early on. 1. Another type of Wasp spider possibly the St John's Cross Spider. Scrub Hairsteak 3. Great Southern White Male 4. Tropical Chequered Skipper 5. Tropical Buckeye 6. Little Yellow 7.8. to be identified 9. Lizard species 10 Tetrio Sphinx Moth caterpillar

 

Eyed Hawkmoth Caterpillars

We have been rearing some Eyed Hawkmoth Caterpillars for a few weeks now and the largest ones must be getting ready to pupate. There is quite a variation in colour from lime green to a softer green. First four images focus stacked (second two needed a bit of retouching before saving so may redo these stacks) - 80mm Fuji Macro. Last two using 50mm Zeiss macro with 16mm extension rings - their rear 4 pairs of false feet are like clam shells with lots of internal teeth that can open and grip any surface.

Autumn Signs in Toft Wood

If we believe the Press then it is to be a hard winter this year; certainly folklore also predicts this with a very heavy crop of berries. The Spindle tree with its pink and orange berries is my favourite at this time of year. My Grey Dagger moth caterpillar has finished feeding and is pupating under some bark ready to overwinter and already the Alder and Hazel are showing catkins.

Sawfly Larvae in the Roses

Trying to get on top of the gardening backlog, I got distracted by these Sawfly larvae in the roses and spent a while with the 100mm macro. The blue in the background is El and Matt's now ex-car as they have exchanged it for a dark grey car - not sure how it will work as photographic prop.

Exotic Visitors to the Garden

Phil found this caterpillar wandering across our patio. I thought Elephant Hawkmoth caterpillars were usually green but apparently the dark version is more common. They both have the characteristic large 'eyes' behind the true head. They feed on Willowherbs or Fuchsia. Our one does not appear full grown in size and started eating as soon as it was offered Lesser Willowherb leaves.
I put out the moth trap last night - there were not many moths in the morning but a very impressive Hornet had been attracted to the light. Here are a couple of shots as it warmed up the wings and then flew off.

Sawfly Larvae

Not an easy subject I have discovered - the larvae are reluctant to extend their tails in the same plane and also swing the tails suddenly just when the shutter is being released.