A reader recently asked for help to identify a butterfly or moth in her garden.
Question:
Does anyone know what butterfly/moth made this cocoon? I’ve seen bright blue butterflies, lime green, large black and white and small white with black borders, small brown and large brown butterflies. Clearly I don’t know their names, and it would be lovely to ID this one.
Answer:
One of our plant experts, Dick Turner, has responded: You have a case moth larva sheltering inside the protection that it has made for itself. The larva or caterpillar uses the cover for protection while it moves about foraging on leaves.
Your specimen could be Saunders Case Moth.
They do not cause major problems in the garden or outside environment, and are a fascinating creature to observe in your own backyard.