More Goat Moth larvae
2nd September 2008, TuesdayWhile cutting willow at Castle Water yesterday at least two Goat Moth larvae were found in one of the stumps that was cut at ground level. The larval stage of this species can take up to five years, feeding internally on the solid wood of various trees, willow being one of them. When the larva are ready to pupate they leave the host tree in late summer to find a pupation site in soil or rotten wood. It is at this time that they can be found wandering around sometimes across footpaths. This species has only been recorded twice on the reserve as an adult, and the find yesterday is the first evidence of breeding on the reserve.
