Mulling Over the Mullein Moth

It's amazing what you may find when clearing a plot.  These Mullein Moth caterpillars were found when we were clearing Plot 19.  The caterpillars are brightly coloured, unlike the adult moth which is a dull brown colour and easily missed on brown foliage.  

We left the catterpilars alone so that they have a chance to eventually hatch. The female lays batches of eggs between May and July on species of Verbascum and cultivated Buddleia plants.

 If you would like some more information on the moths there are a couple of sites here:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mullein_moth

http://www.wildlifeinsight.com/british-moths/the-mullein-moth-and-caterpillar/