In early October I saw large, 7cm-long caterpillars in Bray, black with orange rings and like a large hairy molly.Marie Hannon, Bray, Co Wicklow
They sound like those of the fox moth, found where heather and brambles are growing. They are full-grown in autumn when they go into hibernation but do not pupate until spring. The warm-brown moths emerge in early summer.
Returning to my house after a week's absence I found butterfly wings scattered on the floors of three rooms. They were coloured black and ochre and there were no bodies.
Eoghan O'Loingsigh, Castlegregory, Co Kerry
The second brood of small tortoiseshell butterflies hibernate over winter and seek out houses or sheds. Wrens, bats or spiders prey on them and eat the bodies.
A stock dove has been eating birdseed near my back door. I have never seen one before and assume that there aren't many in this part of the country.
Diana Stafford, Malahide, Co Dublin
Stock doves are quite common in Ireland especially in Leinster and along the east coast from Louth to Wicklow.