The Evil Visitors

This is the caterpillar of the Cinnabar moth. The caterpillars have alternating orange and black bands down their bodies. The ragwort plants on which the caterpillars feed contain alkaloid poisons. As they eat the leaves the caterpillars store the poison and this is passed from caterpillar to pupa and finally to the imago/adult.

I've never seen the actual moth though! which is black and red i believe. Looks quite pretty.

Its a case of nature versus agriculture with this photo. I have a few ragwort annoying plants right down at the bottom of the garden waiting to be pulled. i'd never forgive myself is someone or thing got sick from them but they do attract the wild life.


I've backblipped for the weekend.

15-07 -11 Queen Victorias head

16-07-11 Tintagel Castle

17-07-11 St Materiana's Church

The downside of being back home from a break away is all the washing!