“Caterpillars on privet tree”

In spring, one of the trees that flowers in the woods is the privets. There are “border privets” and “Japanese wax-leaf privets” in this woods. The wax from these trees was used to make candles. Were they also used in the region? On this day, the larvae of the moth that feed on privet leaves were found on the branches. Its adults have eye-patterned wings and its English name is “owl moth”.  [May 2025]

Brahmaea japonica

イボタノキは、春に雑木林で白い花を咲かせます。木から取れる蝋は、ロウソクの原料などに用いられたそうです。イボタノキやネズミモチを食草とするイボタガは、独特な翅の模様をもつ大型の蛾で、春を告げる蛾とも呼ばれます。英語では、オウル・モスと言います。