A Blog for moth recorders in Bucks, Berks and Oxon
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Tuesday, 4 June 2019
Mullein caterpillars
I'm excited I found Mullein caterpillars in my garden this morning. I've never had the moth but I've had Shark, Chamomile Shark and Wormwood here so it's a group I have a bit of a thing about. Mark Griffiths, Garsington, Oxford
I think I also have Verbascum thapsus - it turned up as a seedling and I looked after it partly as it might act as a lure. It has one caterpillar on it. These caterpillars are on Verbascum blattaria. I may need to transfer the one off the V. thaspus as it's still a small plant - I don't want to lose the plant and I don't want the caterpillar to starve.
If you grow Verbascum thapsus (Great Mullein) you are highly likely to get Mullein caterpillars. This year I have 6 such plants and over 30 larvae.
ReplyDeleteI think I also have Verbascum thapsus - it turned up as a seedling and I looked after it partly as it might act as a lure. It has one caterpillar on it. These caterpillars are on Verbascum blattaria. I may need to transfer the one off the V. thaspus as it's still a small plant - I don't want to lose the plant and I don't want the caterpillar to starve.
ReplyDeleteOK. They also feed on Buddleia as well
ReplyDelete