Unidentified caterpillar

[Dodo]

This was a big one but I don't know what it is. Can anyone help here please?

[Geoff F]

It's going to be a bit tricky from that small photo but as a starting guess; how about an Oak Eggar. Although my book only lists it at 3 ins.

If you don't get satisfactory answers in this general forum, ask again in the specific Eggs, Larvae and Caterpillar Forum.

[Dodo]

Thank you Geoff. I will have a look at it.
David

[Dodo]

Hello Geoff again.
I have been looking at photos of the Oak Eggar Moth caterpillar. Some are similar but none are the same as my photo. I begin to think it must be something else. It was spotted in the heathland on The Long Mynd, Shropshire, if that is of any help in identifying it.
David

[Jonners]

How about The Drinker moth?

[Dodo]

Hello Jonners,
Thanks for trying. I don't think it can be the Drinker moth. The black bars along it's back ran from side to side and near to the front end there were some white spots either side of them too.
David

[Geoff F]

The Oak Eggar is a variable species which hatches during the summer, usually August, then becomes dormant until the warmer Spring/Summer weather. As such, it often undergoes changes in colour so the dark transverse bands and broken white horizontal lines are more important than actual colour tint.

But I'm no expert on this species; just someone who has previously been caught out by a paler specimen.

But someone in the caterpillar forum should be able to give a more informed opinion.

[Dodo]

Thanks again Geoff. I will certainly take your word for it and bow to your greater experience. Thanks for your help, I would have never found it myself.
David