unknown black/green caterpillar with spines

mdp · #1 (**permalink**) 06-10-2009, 08:13 PM

Hi,

We found this today while coppicing in our woodland. It was in an area of Hazel, Ash and Sycamore, if that helps identify it. Any ideas? (click for bigger image)

Thanks, Mike

peter2009 · #2 (**permalink**) 06-10-2009, 08:21 PM

Mike,That's a Pale Tussock.

peter

Deer Stalker · #3 (**permalink**) 06-10-2009, 08:22 PM

Hi Mike.

It's a Pale Tussock moth Calliteara pudibunda.

RICHARDM · #4 (**permalink**) 06-10-2009, 08:22 PM

Hi Mike, its a Pale Tussock moth caterpillar, Richard.

mdp · #5 (**permalink**) 06-10-2009, 08:36 PM

Thanks for the replies guys! It's good to have expert help on hand like this

It's interesting to find it where we did, as we didn't see that kind of moth when we had a team in to do a moth survey just 3-400 metres away, although that was in July and it seems that the Pale Tussock doesn't fly then. Different kind of trees as well though - the survey area was mostly sweet chestnut, birch and oak.

Mike