Please help with unknown black hairy caterpillar!!

[jono89]

Hi guys!

I was wondering if you could help me? Ive found a hairy black caterpillar with a very light (hard to destinguish the colour. either a very light red or even white) dorsal stripe on its 'skin'. Ive tried to research it a little on the net and the best I can come up with is a White Ermine Moth. Also what would this caterpillar feed on? I will try to upload a photo presently but my camera is out of action at the moment.

If any one has any suggestions please feel free to contact me it would be much appreciated!

Many Thanks!!

Jono.

P.S. I have a very keen interest in butterflies and moths and would like to start to try to rear a couple. Does anyone have any tips/hints on how to get started?

[charlieb]

I would say you are right with White Ermine - they eat a lot of things, dandelion and dock for example.

[jono89]

Thankyou for the confirmation! I have placed the White Ermine caterpillar in a tank, but it doesn't seem to want to eat. I had originally put in dandelions with it but it hasnt touched them, neither has it touched the dock so I was wondering whether it was ready to turn into a chrysalis? I had read that this species goes into leaf litter when its about to turn into a chrysalis, is this true?

Many Thanks,

Jono.

[charlieb]

If it isn't eating then yes, it probably wants to pupate - provide it with some leaf litter or layers of kitchen towel will do. It's too late for a second generation, so it will emerge next year (May/June time). I'd recommend sticking outside somewhere sheltered (shed?) when it's pupated to make sure it emerges at the right time along with all the other White Ermines.

[Beekeeper]

I used to see many of those years ago in the garden but sadly haven't seen any for a long time now, but its good to know they are not yet extinct.

BK