Euplagia quadripunctaria
We are still yet to see an adult of this species in the Garden, but on the 17th March 2024 we finally recorded this species thanks to discovering a couple of larva. The one on the left below is feeding on Bramble and the one on the right Green Alkanet.
The Field Guide to Caterpillars *, confirms specifically that these two plants are listed as food plants. Coupled with the distinctive colouration of the caterpillar and we are reasonably confident this species has been identified correctly.
It was once rather restricted in range but in recent years has begun to spread northwards. With recent distribution maps showing Bristol just within its range.
Apparently it overwinters as a small caterpillar and that is why we are seeing these so early in the year, and we assume so few in number. The adults feed at night according to the Caterpillar guide*.
*Henwood, B. Sterling, P. (2020): Bloomsbury Wildlife Guides: Field Guide to the Caterpillars of Great Britain and Ireland. London: Bloomsbury Publishing plc.
Wildlife Garden 