July 14

 

   Val George writes:  This morning, July 14, the VNHS birding group found this Sheep Moth caterpillar, Hemileuca eglanterina, in Uplands Park in Oak Bay.   Jeremy Tatum remarks:  This caterpillar should be handled (if at all) with care.  Some people (including myself) find that the caterpillar may give them a rash.

Sheep Moth Hemileuca eglanterina (Lep.: Saturniidae)  Val George

 

   Mike Yip writes from Nanoose Bay:  A bunch of these slimy looking larvae have been defoliating my wife’s quince tree. They are about 8 – 9 mm and haven’t bothered any of the apple or pear trees. Any idea what they are?   Jeremy Tatum replies: They are the larvae of a sawfly Eriocampoides limacina, also known as Caliroa cerasi.  They are often to be found on cherry trees.  I wouldn’t altogether trust them with apple or pear.  “Limacina” means “slug-lke”.  “Cerasi” means “of the cherry”.

Caliroa cerasi (Eriocampoides limacina)(Hym.: Tenthredinidae)  Mike Yip

 

   Jeremy Tatum writes:  I saw two Pine Whites at the top of a Douglas Fir south of Beaver Lake this afternoon.  This evening there was but a single Painted Lady at the top of Mount Tolmie.