For Bonkers.

6 Jul, 2009
5 likes

This is the Mullein Moth which you saw and photographed the caterpillar of. I think the caterpillar looks better than the moth.
The book says:
This common moth resembles The Starwort but the forewing is browner and there is no stigmata. The outer margins are scolloped, and when at rest in its typical position the moth looks like a slither of bark. April to May in gardens ans waste or disturbed ground. Food plant: mainly wild and cultivated mulleins, the caterpillars often completely destroying the flower spikes.

Comments on this photo

Pansypotter

What a strange looking Moth, I thought I was looking at a piece of wood until I read the discription , very good camouflage though!

6 Jul, 2009

Toto

There are a few moths which blend into there chosen habitat Pansy. I suppose that is why we fail to see them often, even though they are quite common.

6 Jul, 2009

Irish

i too thought it was just a piece of wood. brilliant how it blends right in

6 Jul, 2009

Bonkersbon

Thanks so much Toto as you say so well disguised probably walked past hundreds of them without knowing.looked them up after you identified and found a photo with loads of the caterpillars stripping verbascum to shreds ..

6 Jul, 2009

Toto

Glad you found what you were looking for. Yes they can be a pest.

6 Jul, 2009

Bonkersbon

Well,our fella ate his fill then disappeared ! Thats life !

6 Jul, 2009

Toto

Maybe the mistle thrush wasn't fooled by his colours.

6 Jul, 2009

Bonkersbon

They moved on too Toto.Ever feel used ? Lol