Caterpillars for ID

[wildlifepilgrim]

This is on stinging nettle at the edge of a field of crops in Leicestershire. Concentrated in a spot about 4 metres long. There were about 20 large colonies. They had spun silk a structure over the tops of the nettles. Fluttering around were some small tortoiseshell.



I think (not 100% sure) that the majority of these are Small Tortoiseshell. But in the centre of the colony was a different caterpillar. It can be seen on this picture. It has a green head/tail and whitish body spikes. I have no idea what this is. Looks a bit like the Painted Lady in the Gallery section.

Does anybody know if colonies are often made up of several species?

[wildlifepilgrim]

So nobody knows?

[charlieb]

It might have just undergone a moult and yet to hardern.

I think they may be Peacocks.

[Kayleigh]

I think Peacocks too..