Community post

Caterpillars chow down on nastursiums

Just some photos of Pieris brassicae (Large cabbage white) caterpillars feeding on nastursium leaves! IMG_20170823_163533233[1].jpg

Although it is most famous for feeding on cabbages and other Brassicas, nastursiums are an alternative larval food plant for Pieris brassicae. Growing a few nastursiums in the borders and leaving them to the caterpillars ensures that the species remains a common sight in our towns and cities.

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As the caterpillars eat they leave behind little balls of 'frass' (caterpillar poo!)

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And completely strip the nastursium leaves, leaving behind these skeletons.

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As autumn draws closer, these guys will crawl away to find somewhere safe to pupate over the winter.

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I'll make sure there are plenty of nasursiums out there for the next generation to chow down upon!