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Post by Mr Grinch on Apr 25, 2007 13:51:03 GMT
Hi all,
Can anyone tell what’s munching my Foxgloves ? They are caterpillars, colourless (well greyish). What animal will it grow into if left ??
Mr G
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Post by Spruance on Apr 29, 2007 22:40:59 GMT
I hadn't realised that Foxgloves were vulnerable to this sort of thing, with them being poisonous, but after a little research, it appears that the caterpillars of various moth species feed on Foxgloves. Also the caterpillar of the heath and marsh fritillary butterfly.  |
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Post by oldmoleskins on Apr 30, 2007 7:15:50 GMT
I think poisonous-ness and unpalatability might develop later, Spruance... I lost loads of newly-planted foxgloves last year to rabbits, but where I surrounded some with wire netting while small they were left alone at about 2 foot or so when the wire was removed.
Same with my newly planted box hedge - it got a lot of unwelcome attention straight out of the GC, but (touch wood) is left alone a year later.
Even the 'dreaded' much-quoted poisonous Yew is browsed by livestock at spring growth stage, apparently with no ill effect... though I wouldn't recommend yew hedging to surround a pony paddock...
OM.
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