Caterpillar nest

[snake]

I came across these chaps this afternoon, lots in the nest and loads more feeding on the bush (Hawthorn ).
Any idea what they are?

[k4t3]

Look like Yellow tail moth cats to me as they seem to have a lot of red on them, but I have never seen them in nests like that. The nesting habit would seem to suggest the Brown tail moth, although they have less red colour along the backs.

Be very careful with these cats as their hairs are extremely irritating, the Brown tail more so...but they are lovely little moths and the hawthorn feeding plant is quite typical for both types.

[snake]

Thank you k473 for your reply. I did take a shot of the caterpillars that show a bit more detail, hope it might help with a positive ID.

[snake]

[Kayleigh]

Originally Posted by snake

That's great shot Snake, sorry dont know what they are but your brave to get so close..

[k4t3]

Snake, yes these definately have less red on them than Yellow tails, so would go with the diagnosis of Brown tails...

[healfdan]

Hello Snake
I agree with K4T3 that this is most likely a batch of Brown tailed-tussock moth caterpillars. I found 23 such webs on a small bramble thicket in West Sussex. Some of the caterpillars are now independent and moving away from the web tents. They defoliate shrubs which can be a nuisance in parks and gardens but not a problem in the wild. As already mentioned can cause a skin rash if in contact with the hairs or web.
Healfdan