I have a correction to make which was kindly pointed out by Carol, from Flower Hill Farm… My little Chrysalis friend is in fact a Butterfly, I had assumed it would be a Moth because I didn't think Butterfly Caterpillars would still be around at this time of year… Carol informed me that it cannot be a Moth as they weave a cocoon! I also wrongly assumed I knew the Caterpillars of all my regular Butterflies… So it would seem our friend is going to become… *Drumroll*
A Speckled Wood!
Yaaaay, considering the number I had in the garden over the summer; this isn't a surprise at all :)
I understand it will turn dark before emerging, so I'll be checking on it over the coming months as they are not on the wing until April, but suspect I will miss it actually emerging.
So during my research into Speckled Woods I also discovered that apparently the larva feed on a range of grasses, prefer wooded areas and usually are found in tree tops feeding on nectar, rarely to be seen in gardens…………………
Mmmmmm, well, I had looooads of them, regularly seeing 2/3 fighting around the garden (which they are known for doing), they loved the Sea Holly and hung around for a good few weeks as the Sea Hollies flowered... Maybe I need to get more for this year. There is woodland nearby but not close enough - probably a 2 minute walk.
Previously I have to admit I've only ever seen SW's in woodland, usually quite shy and rarely ever managed to get close to them. But for some reason they're relatively placid here and allowed me to get just a few inches away…
You may remember these shots from this summer:
A Speckled Wood!
Yaaaay, considering the number I had in the garden over the summer; this isn't a surprise at all :)
I understand it will turn dark before emerging, so I'll be checking on it over the coming months as they are not on the wing until April, but suspect I will miss it actually emerging.
So during my research into Speckled Woods I also discovered that apparently the larva feed on a range of grasses, prefer wooded areas and usually are found in tree tops feeding on nectar, rarely to be seen in gardens…………………
Mmmmmm, well, I had looooads of them, regularly seeing 2/3 fighting around the garden (which they are known for doing), they loved the Sea Holly and hung around for a good few weeks as the Sea Hollies flowered... Maybe I need to get more for this year. There is woodland nearby but not close enough - probably a 2 minute walk.
Previously I have to admit I've only ever seen SW's in woodland, usually quite shy and rarely ever managed to get close to them. But for some reason they're relatively placid here and allowed me to get just a few inches away…
You may remember these shots from this summer:
