Strange looking larva

[David M]

Been sent this request for ID. Not a butterfly, but I have no idea what it actually is. It's in a cocoon on a garden fence. Any ideas?

[Allan.W.]

I'll have a go David ! to me the actual cocoon looks like a Puss moth cocoon ,consisting of Chewed up wood (fence post /)
As you know they are very tough cocoons ! it looks as though it has had some thing leaning against it and has been pulled apart ,it also looks to be rain (or water ) damaged ,hence exposed larvae ,the other thing is ,that Puss moth larvae as you know are bright green and just prior to pupation they turn a deep plum colour …………..this one ,the colour does't look right ,but that could be because of the damage ie water damage .
Not too sure ………………… Happy to be corrected ! Regards Allan.W.

[Tony Moore]

Size would be helpful - it may be one of the 'Kittens'.

Tony M.

[David M]

Thanks for having a go, both.

I really had NO idea.

[Allan.W.]

I looked at the withered leaf beside it Tony ,looks like an Ivy leaf to me ,which does give some sort of size comparison,
Regards Allan.W.