Fox Moth Caterpillar

Description:

The caterpillars can be a little tricky to identify as they change colour as they grow. The younger caterpillars are black with thin orange bands along their length. The older caterpillars are a reddish-brown colour and covered in long grey hairs. They can be found from June to April, but between the months of September and March they hibernate in leaf litter.

Habitat:

These caterpillars are widely distributed throughout the UK. Can be found in meadows, heathland, downland, open woods, parks and gardens (http://www.uksafari.com/foxmoths.htm). I found this one while hiking around Beinn Dubh.