More caterpillars to identify!!

[rockape65]

Having just had the Ruby Tiger Moth kindly identified by Tracey, we came across this gathering of caterpillars out on the Eastern sea wall of Wallasea Island on the morning of Saturday 14th of May, I'm sure this sort of bunching up is very common to you all and not at all unusual but can anyone tell us what is the species please? Thank you.

Ian

[Lindsay-c]

Could be wrong but perhaps they are Ground lackey Malacosoma castrensis larvae?

These, like their relatives, the lackey larvae make a communal web or tent.

Location and timing seems to make sense for these as well.

[rockape65]

Thanks Lindsay, that's much appreciated, with the adders out in force on the sea walls at the moment we're spending much more time looking down instead of up and discovering all sorts of residents that we hadn't really noticed before!! Once again many thanks for your help.

Ian