Caterpillars chow down on nastursiums

[robochunks]

Just some photos of Pieris brassicae (Large cabbage white) caterpillars feeding on nastursium leaves!

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.

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

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

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

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

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