2016 March 9

   David Allinson writes: This 25mm long caterpillar was photographed January 28, 2016. However, I was surprised to have daily observed 1-5 similar ones (same species) along the road ALL winter long while walking my dog (late November on). Most were about the same size, but some were much smaller.  I saw them on mild days, and usually during sunny breaks after rainfall. Not surprisingly, they were very lethargic in the still cool temperatures (I carefully picked up a few to save them from being run over).  Location is in Metchosin, along Ferncliffe Place, off Happy Valley Road.

  Jeremy Tatum writes:  This is the caterpillar of the Large Yellow Underwing moth.  The caterpillar can be found in most months.  They hide during the day, but now is as good a time as any to find them on grass at night with a flashlight.

David Allinson