Caterpillers

[chriszog]

Have got hundreds of green with black head caterpillers on Solomons Seal does anyone know what type they may be. They are smooth a greany grey colour and it seems they are only on the one plant.
Regards
Chriszog

[chriszog]

[LesH]

      Hi chriszog

[LesH]

   Hi chriszog
       finger trouble on the prevoius reply. you might like to try this site www.whatsthiscaterpillar.co.uk I hope you find it useful. LesH

[Rosa_Mundi]

Have a look at the larvae of the Solomon's Seal sawfly, as well. If that's what it is, you'll need to reduce their numbers or eliminate them - they will strip the plant. If it's reasonably well established, it should be OK next year - but you may well get the sawfly again.

[Robert_Brenchley]

Does it have little black dots on its body? If so, it's most likely the sawfly. A quick look hasn't turned up anything else it could be.

[chriszog]

Many thanks everone for your replies. Couldnt find it on the whats this caterpiller site but found it on a search for solomons seal sawfly on a site called trekearth.com.
Apparently the plant will survive so i will just put up with them eating the leaves.
Regards
Chriszog

[Granny_Smith]

Mine get eaten every year and always survive and grow again the next year.

[Georgie]

Hi.  Does anyone know what kind of caterpillar this is?  I've looked at the website but I can't find it.  The pic isn't very good, I'm afraid, party because it wouldn't stay still!  It was about 2" long.

G xx

[Robert_Brenchley]

I've had a look though my caterpillar book, and can't find anything I'm too convinced by. If you can find any nearby on whatever it is they feed on, that would help.

[Georgie]

Thanks for looking, Robert.  I've had a look in my book and I think it's The Vapourer.  This link provdes a much better picture:

http://www.habitas.org.uk/moths/larva.asp?item=6112

G xx

[Robert_Brenchley]

I think you're right, but I wasn't sure from the pic alone.