These Caterpillars are commonly seen wandering along the coast Path .
From a distance they appear very similar .
Both large Hairy , Brown Caterpillars.
Top photo - Fox Moth -"Macrothylacia Rubi" is one of the largest and hairiest of
caterpillars! / feeding on bramble , heather , ... / changing colour as they grow / Black with
thin orange bands along their length, when young / reddish-brown colour and covered in
long grey hairs when mature.
The Fox Moth Caterpillar hatches from its egg in June / becomes full-grown by late
September / overwintering as a full-grown caterpillar concealed in leaf litter, to emerge in
spring , not to feed but only to sun themselves before pupating.
The Male Fox Moth flies by day and night / may - early August / while the female
only flies at night.
A moth of moorland and other open habitats, especially on the coast.
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Bottom Photo - Oak Eggar Moth
"Lasiocampa quercus". The Oak Eggar Moth, despite its name, does not feed on Oak,
but is so-called because the shape of its cocoon is acorn-like.
The development from egg to moth can take 1-2 years.
When the two-year cycle is followed, larvae (caterpillar) usually live from July to the
September of the following year, and pupae overwinter from September to May. One-year
cycle larvae usually live from September to May, with pupae in June.
Ref: 10302C - 9348
Date: 27/06/2012
Location: Manorbier - Freshwater West Beach
