Two striking caterpillars at Wraggs Quarry

Very windy today with some rain showers, birds were few and far between on the moors so I decided to look for a Poplar Hawkmoth caterpillar which Alan Stewardson had found earlier in the week. It took some finding in a Sallow bush, despite its size (6cm).  
Whilst looking for the Poplar Hawkmoth Alan and I also found a Puss Moth caterpillar.
Both are common and widespread moths locally but not seen too often.

Poplar Hawkmoth caterpillar

Puss Moth caterpillar

Puss Moth caterpillar - Wraggs Quarry

The Puss Moth caterpillars in Wraggs Quarry look fully grown now and must be over 6cm in length. The small Sallow bush that they have been feeding on has been almost striped clean of leaves.

Puss Moth - caterpillar

Puss Moth caterpillar - Beeley Moor

One of our most striking looking caterpillars, this photo of a Puss Moth caterpillar was taken by Doug Aston feeding on Sallow on Beeley Moor.

Puss Moth caterpillar (c.Doug Aston)

Puss Moth - Beeley Moor

With near perfect conditions for moth trapping I spent another evening on Beeley Moor with Brian Statham. It was a little disappointing for variety but good numbers of moths flying including over 500 True Lover's Knot. New for the year were this fine Puss Moth, Knot Grass and Small Elephant Hawkmoth.

Puss Moth