Hairy Caterpillar ID please

[westt]

I am rearing 9 caterpillars found on my utility wall, they've shed their skin 3 times now so I guess they are near to pupating. I've fed them very successfully on lettuce. Sorry no photo, but description: now 3-3.5cm in length, started out green, developed shaded brown markings on back and long black hairs all over with 3-4 even longer white ones at each end. Are now VERY hairy – colour of hair on some nearly black and others slightly gingery. All have a black stripe each side with a white one under it. Any ideas anyone? I'm pretty sure they are moths as they are hairy rather than spiny.

[Feathers]

Just come across this site which has lots of pics of hairy caterpillars to choose from!

http://www.whatsthiscaterpillar.co.uk/

Cheers
Chris

[westt]

Originally Posted by Feathers

Just come across this site which has lots of pics of hairy caterpillars to choose from!

http://www.whatsthiscaterpillar.co.uk/

Cheers
Chris

Thanks Chris, I have looked on this excellent website but am still not sure. My best guess at the moment might be a Ruby Tiger Moth, but the stripes puzzle me.
Tina (westt)

[Feathers]

Sorry all my books are at home but I shall have a look this evenin...
Tiger moths are a good start. I know Garden Tigers can be a bit gingery as well as black but the stripes I'm not sure about.

[life through a lens]

You could try this site:

http://www.ukleps.org/Comnames.html

The Buff Ermine looks similar to your description.

Olly

[westt]

Originally Posted by life through a lens

You could try this site:

http://www.ukleps.org/Comnames.html

The Buff Ermine looks similar to your description.

Olly

Hi Olly, What a fantastic website!... and you are spot on, I will read up all about the Buff Ermine. Many thanks, Tina