If The Oak Eggar Is Out Before The Ash Bud Moth

The oak is definitely out before the ash in Essex so we are due a mighty splash.

I've never seen this caterpillar before. I found it on a hawthorn hedge but moved it to sheep's parsley so that I could show how big it is. They grow to 6.5 cm!

I had heard of oak eggar moths and presumed their larvae (which is what we are meant to call moth caterpillars) lived and fed on oak trees. Not so. The name comes from their cocoons which are shaped like acorns/eggs.

I replaced it on the hawthorn and got a few other interesting bug shots, including jumping spiders mating. I also got another long-tailed-tit flitting with titbits. :)