Fox Moth Caterpillar ID? Anglesey this Saturday

[ben_c_s]

Could someone please help me with the identification of a caterpillar?

Observed on the grasses/heather above the sea cliffs at the north end of Gogarth bay, but not at South Stack perhaps 1 km away. (Anglesey)

I saw several dozen specimens from 5 to 10 (cm in length, quite fat. Perhaps 2/3 the thickness of my little finger for the longer ones.)

Furry (not spikey, not smooth)
Black in body and fur, with a slight orange tinge to the fur and an orange stripe running from head to tail which blended into the black body rather than a pure black / orange contrast stripe.
The body was clearly segmented rather than smooth.
Legs were more or less evenly distributed along the body rather than weighted to one end. (I think.)
Black head.

I'm afraid I forgot my camera and looking at the images on this site, it certainly looks like the fox moth caterpillar but I'm not sure if they are so large or if they should be out and about in late September (this Saturday).

I know very little about moths / butterflies. Any hints would be appreciated!

Thanks,

Ben

[Lance Morgan]

Sounds like Fox Moth. The caterpillars hibernate in leaf litter during the winter and become active in the sunshine.

[ben_c_s]

That's great - many thanks.

Ben