I’ve just seen this caterpillar on the wall here and have been trying to identify it, unsuccessfully so far. Nearest I can find seems to be the Small Eggar but it’s not exact. So, I’m calling on any resident lepidopterists here to help out and if possible ID this one…
Google lens says:
This caterpillar appears to be a spongy moth (formerly known as the gypsy moth), Lymantria dispar. [1, 2]
- Distinctive Features: The larva is recognizable by its hairy body and a distinct pattern of red and blue spots along its back (five pairs of blue spots followed by six pairs of red spots). [1, 2]
- Health Warning: Contact with the hairs of this caterpillar can cause skin rashes and allergic reactions in some people. [1, 2]
- Environmental Impact: These caterpillars are a major pest that can completely defoliate large areas of hardwood trees, such as oak, birch, and maple, especially during outbreaks.
Bingo! That’s the one. Thank you!
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That looks like it.
I love that. “Harmful to plants”.
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It’s basically giving you carte blanche to stomp the little blighter. Even Attenborough will be on your side.
Highly venomous, dangerous and with contagious deadly viruses.
But probably a food source for insectivorous birds, and others,
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