Come to think about it I haven't seen caterpillars on the tomatoes for a year or two, that photo was three years ago. But they eat lots of other things, and I guess it's mainly moths that ate tomatoes as caterpillars that will search out tomatoes to lay on, and so the mix of foodplants in these omnivorous species probably changes with time due to changes in the flowering season of their various foodplants.
I didn’t know the tomato caterpillar was bright-line brown eye. A few years ago (before I was mothing) we had lots on tomatoes- don’t remember so many last few years. As I might have tried to work out what it was! I love Chocolate Tip such a beautiful moth (& spectacle of course).
It’s not been that warm at night either, but a bit of light rain doesn’t seem to affect the moths. Forecast is the nights (as well as the days) to warm up a bit now so hopefully some better catches soon!
Fingers crossed. Looking promising for tonight here. I had a few moths fly into the caravan when I left the window open during the week- a Brimstone moth, a Scorched Wing and what Obsidentify tells me is a bee-moth! So not all bad!
Come to think about it I haven't seen caterpillars on the tomatoes for a year or two, that photo was three years ago. But they eat lots of other things, and I guess it's mainly moths that ate tomatoes as caterpillars that will search out tomatoes to lay on, and so the mix of foodplants in these omnivorous species probably changes with time due to changes in the flowering season of their various foodplants.
I didn’t know the tomato caterpillar was bright-line brown eye. A few years ago (before I was mothing) we had lots on tomatoes- don’t remember so many last few years. As I might have tried to work out what it was! I love Chocolate Tip such a beautiful moth (& spectacle of course).
Chocolate tip is a beauty
It’s not been that warm at night either, but a bit of light rain doesn’t seem to affect the moths. Forecast is the nights (as well as the days) to warm up a bit now so hopefully some better catches soon!
Fingers crossed. Looking promising for tonight here. I had a few moths fly into the caravan when I left the window open during the week- a Brimstone moth, a Scorched Wing and what Obsidentify tells me is a bee-moth! So not all bad!
I ran last night (not brilliant) and won't run again until Saturday. Scorched Wing is a good catch ... they're quite impressive markings too.
Yes we thought it was a beautiful little moth.
Love the chocolate tip Dennis! Hope I get to see one of those. Its rained here every night this week sadly so not had the trap out. 😢
Moth names are ludicrous/amazing.
Fascinating thank you. Whenever I see a Spectacle I can't help calling out "Chocks away!".
Thank you Dennis!