Posted on September 16, 2012 - by Denise

Buff-tip bonanza!

Congregation of buff-tip caterpillars – by D. Smith

About three weeks ago, I noticed that our willow bush had many clumps of about 20 buff-tip caterpillars each. Since then, they have been gradually growing and gradually decreasing in numbers. Lots of spiders have moved in to the bush! Our willow is now pretty much diminished and of course I don’t mind, but it has been an excellent example of the breeding strategy that involves making lots of offspring to increase the chances of a few surviving, with the great probability that many will be lost. At the last count, there were 6 caterpillars left and today they have been dispersing. One has climbed our brick wall, I guess to pupate under the eaves of the house. I saw another one under the top slab of our garden wall. Their food has run out and I hope they are now, at about 9cm, big enough to get through the metamorphosis. There are many oak trees in the vicinity, which is another of their favoured foodplants, but they don’t seem to be heading in that direction.

Buff-tip moth – by Kallerna

I’m looking forward to seeing the moths in flight next summer. I thought they were fascinating moths anyway, with their brilliant camouflage, but if I see one in the garden next year, I will wonder if it is that same individual that climbed all the way to the top of our house.