9th April: Caterpillars come out of hibernation

While busy clearing litter from next to the Causeway on Holy Island, a hairy caterpillar was spotted underneath a piece of plastic - definitely a sign of spring. In summer when walking among the dunes of the Reserve you will spot many of these large hairy caterpillars, be careful not to step on them as they make their way across the paths!

This particular caterpillar is larva of the drinker moth, a large moth which flies from June - August. Their name comes from the caterpillar's behaviour, which supposedly enjoys drinking dew from leaves.