Barnacle Goose

Branta leucopsis

TQ4792 14/09/2019 ©Raymond Small

On the wing from May to July. Their caterpillars (up to 65mm long) are seen from July to September feeding on Poplar and Willow usually low down on saplings. When ready to pupate the caterpillar makes a tough cocoon from chewed wood and silk. If disturbed by a predator the caterpillars raise the head and wave extendable pinkish flagellae from their twin tails. If this warning is ignored the caterpillar is able to squirt formic acid from a slit under the mouth as a defensive measure.

TQ4792 14/09/2019 ©Raymond Small

TQ4792 14/09/2019 ©Raymond Small

TQ4792 14/09/2019 ©Raymond Small

TQ4792 14/09/2019 ©Michael Trump

TQ4792 01/04/2018 ©Raymond Small

TQ4792 01/04/2018 ©Raymond Small

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