Michael Viney responds to queries and observations on nature.
On the exposed Glen Nephin Road in Co Mayo, there is a patch of unusual flowers which we identified as Indian balsam, Impatiens glandulifera. The stalk was red and hollow and the scent was like bad milk. Was this sighting unusual?
Caroline Hannick, Knockmore, Co Mayo
Indian balsam is an escape from gardens and is originally from the Himalayas. The Census Catalogue of the Flora of Ireland cites it as growing in all counties except for a few in the midlands. It is listed at several locations in west Mayo, and it grows in wet places. As the Latin name suggests, it belongs to the same family as the busy Lizzie.
While deadheading roses, a dead-looking twig came alive. It remained attached to the branch and was about two to three inches long.
Tom and Patricia Murphy, Kilkenny
It was probably the caterpillar of one of the geometer moths. A likely one is the peppered moth, which is around in autumn. The caterpillars feed at night and many of them look like twigs when they rest on the food plant during the day.
Michael Viney welcomes observations sent to him at Thallabawn, Carrowniskey PO, Westport, Co Mayo, or by e-mail to viney@anu.ie (include a postal address)