Owl Caterpillars

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The animals also known as earth caterpillars are the larvae of various night butterflies from the large family of owls (Noctuidae). The species found in viticulture feed on the vine, among other things. The caterpillars, which are four to six centimetres long (they are fleshy and thicker than those of the rhombic moth) and reddish-brown to brown-black in colour, spend the winter in the soil. At the beginning of bud swelling, they migrate to the buds and feed on them at night. Unlike other caterpillars, the buds are eaten so deeply that they are completely destroyed. During the day they hide on the ground near the trunk. After a few days they retreat into the ground to pupate, but new generations are constantly emerging from it. They also attack the leaves, which are eaten from the edges.

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Owl Caterpillars

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