Some of the most striking of garden insects are moth larvae
Buff tip moth (Phalera bucephala)
Large, gregarious, yellow and black caterpillars eat the foliage of deciduous trees, including oak, lime, birch, cherry and beech, from July to September. When fully grown they are about 6cm (2 1/4in) long and can completely defoliate saplings. Fortunately the damage occurs late in summer, which limits the impact on trees’ growth.
Vapourer moth (Orgyia antiqua)
Hairy caterpillars up to 4cm (1 1/2in) long, vapourer moth larvae have four distinctive ‘shaving brushes’ of buff hairs (which make them unpalatable to birds) on their backs. Often solitary, and found from midsummer on a wide range of deciduous trees and shrubs.
Elephant hawk moth (Deilephila elpenor)
Up to 8.5cm (3 1/4in) long, this is one of the largest caterpillars found in gardens, from July to September. Blackish brown or green, larvae have two pairs of eye-like markings towards the head end, giving them a snake-like appearance. Fuchsia is the main garden food plant.
These caterpillars can all be removed if they are causing concern.