Caterpillar ID please!

Cazzie · #1 (**permalink**) 26-09-2007, 06:27 PM

Anyone know what this fuzzy caterpillar is?

Was found yesterday on heather moorland. No distinguishing stripes or colour markings - just very fuzzy!

Thankies!

agrumpycow · #2 (**permalink**) 26-09-2007, 06:29 PM

Looks like one of those seed things that my dogs get covered in when they run through long grass!
Sorry, can't help on the caterpillar front......

demicav · #3 (**permalink**) 26-09-2007, 06:50 PM

Woolly Bear Caterpillar. Can't remember what it turns into though

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demicav · #4 (**permalink**) 26-09-2007, 06:52 PM

Isabella Tiger Moth, I think.

Dogghound · #5 (**permalink**) 26-09-2007, 07:39 PM

The larvae of one of the Arctiinae species, Looking at it, in its curled up position i would say the garden tiger Arctia caja, a very widespread species that is found in a range of habitats despite its name. Was it more orange in colour on its underside, looks like it is on the photo.

Cazzie · #6 (**permalink**) 27-09-2007, 08:43 AM

Difficult to say really as it seemed uniform in colour to me.

Dogghound · #7 (**permalink**) 27-09-2007, 09:09 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by demicav

Isabella Tiger Moth, I think.

Think its a normal garden tiger Arctia caja as its a plain dark brown with an orangey tint, Isabella tiger moths Pyrrharctia isabella are native to North America, and have a distinctive orange band through the middle of them. The larvae of both species and several others are know as wooly bears.

goosey · #8 (**permalink**) 27-09-2007, 09:12 AM

I don't really know as its difficult to tell from the rolled up position, but I will throw another possibility into the equation - Ruby Tiger Phragmatobia fuliginosa.
If I were you I wouldnt pick up caterpillars, especially hairy one's as some could give you a nasty reaction, and they roll up to protect themselves making IDing them more difficult - best to leave them in situ if you can

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Cazzie · #9 (**permalink**) 27-09-2007, 09:33 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by goosey

I don't really know as its difficult to tell from the rolled up position, but I will throw another possibility into the equation - Ruby Tiger Phragmatobia fuliginosa.
If I were you I wouldnt pick up caterpillars, especially hairy one's as some could give you a nasty reaction, and they roll up to protect themselves making IDing them more difficult - best to leave them in situ if you can

.

Point taken goosey

Thanks for your help peeps, it seems to be a Tiger of some sort so I'll go look some up!