Hornet Moth

In our Willow tree at the car park corner (see an earlier blog about the Willow tree) we have some hornet moths.  These insects lay eggs in crevices in the bark of the tree.  The eggs hatch into creamy white caterpillars who bore their way into the bark of the tree and live there for two to three years.  They pupate and hatch in June and July.  They resemble wasps although they are moths.  This gives them protection from preditors, as birds avoid them perhaps because they have had unpleasant experiences of trying to eat wasps.

The hornet moth although it looks fierce is really quite beautiful and harmless.

The size of its antennae differentiate it from a wasp.  It is also a day flying moth.