Many thanks to the people who responded to query regarding the unidentified species we saw on the rock last week. The caterpillar is that of a Death's Head Hawk Moth. The caterpillar can occur in three different colour variations, green yellow and this particular variation brown. I have received a couple of replies to the Burnet Moth; Zygaena hilaris or Z fausta are the two choices. I have looked up both these species on the web and I have to admit I cannot tell the difference. The common name is Auspicious Burnet Moth which is good enough to me. Death's Head Hawk Moth Caterpillar, Brown Phase, Jews Gate Observatroy, 15 Oct 2009 Auspicious Burnet Moth, Jews Gate Observatroy, 13 Oct 2009
Thanks again for the id comments. I just need the cricket/grasshopper now
Steve Copsey
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