figure of 8 moth caterpillar?

[dogsmercury]

hi
a few weeks ago i saw a figure of eight moth caterpillar, this one looks the same from what i can remember, could someone tell me if it is or not? it was sitting in what appeared to be a silken 'groove' on a tree bark, and i was also wondering did this signify it's change into a pupae?



many thanks
graham

[k4t3]

Definately a figure of eight, they are unmistakeable! Ones that I have observed generally pupate in leaf litter or soil at the base of the food plant (hawthorn, blackthorn etc), but maybe this one is striking out for independance and doing it it's own way??
They are not generally a web weaving caterpillar, so pupation would seem the only conclusion, as when feeding they are usually quite brazen and out there on the young branch tips.
(A word to the wise, don't try to raise these in captivity...it rarely goes well Leave them to nature and they are far happier)