caterpillar id please

[cararocks]

hi i found a caterpillar in my garden. its fat, about an inch an a half to 2 inches long, very dark chocolate brown, very hairy and had one pale milky orange stripe running all the way down its body. i was just wondering what it was???

[Cowgirl]

Hi Cararocks & welcome to WAB. I'm no expert but there are a lot of hairy brown caterpillers it could be. A photo would get you a better response.

[Geoff F]

Yes agree with Cowgirl. There are quite a few possiblities which could match that description.

But to start with, have a look at a Knotgrass and see how that compares.

If it definitely isn't that one, you may be better off asking again in the Caterpillar Forum (Eggs, Larvae, etc).

[k4t3]

Try one of the Ermine moths, there seems to be a lot of them around at the moment, but some confusion over whether they are Buff or White. I always understood the White Ermine cat to be very dark brown to black with a red stripe down the back, the Buff Ermine to be any shade from greenish to brown with a paler stripe down the back.....both densely hairy.....but I have been known to be wrong Sure someone will clarify!

[cararocks]

OMG ur an absolute genius!!!! it was the white emine, i googled a pic an thats the exact one!! thank you sooooo much it was driving me nuts!

[bigdave60dog]

Informatio. for all beginners. Try to obtain a copy of The Observers Book of Caterpillars. Long out of print and nomenclature out of date but to me, still the best beginners book on this of all time.
Every now and again I still look to mine now and it was bought new in the 60s.

[k4t3]

Agree with post above, may seem dated but still an excellent guide for the new starters...it was my bible in the mid to late 80's till I got Porter...then that ok till I got online to this site