Grey dagger moth caterpillar, Acronicta psi
Grey dagger moth caterpillar, Acronicta psi (submitted by NaturePlus user jpWILL)
The grey dagger moth caterpillar is native to the UK, but it is also quite common across Europe, Asia, and parts of South Africa.
This caterpillar is easily recognisable by the hump around the third segment closest to its head. It is also marked with red, and has a yellow stripe running along its length.
The caterpillar feeds on a variety of garden trees and shrubs such as hawthorn, birch and rose. When it is ready to pupate, it buries itself in the soil.
