Caterpillar identification

[tswelsh]

Hello all,

I don't know a lot about butterflies or moths but found this stylish looking caterpillar in Yorkshire today. I've tried a identification guide and looked through a couple of lists of UK butterflies but haven't found it. It was interesting though, had no idea of the amount of different and funny looking creatures there are around. Does anybody recognise this one?

[CallumMac]

Hi tswelsh. Your punk-rocker caterpillar is that of the Pale Tussock moth (Calliteara pudibunda)! http://ukmoths.org.uk/species/callitear ... nda/larva/

[tswelsh]

Hi tswelsh. Your punk-rocker caterpillar is that of the Pale Tussock moth (Calliteara pudibunda)! http://ukmoths.org.uk/species/callitear ... nda/larva/

Great thank you! I did see that one in a guide but I think I glossed over it because it was yellow or green - what determines the colour, what they eat? Is pink rare?

P.S. Sorry for the late reply!

[CallumMac]

Sorry for the late reply!

...no worries!

The colour can vary quite a bit, though the yellow/green form is the most common. I suspect it is to do with the host-plant as you suggest. I once reared a batch of Pale Tussock eggs on Sweet Chestnut, and they came out a rather disappointing muddy grey-brown colour... not what I was hoping for at all!