Caterpillar ID help

[Deborah]

I hope someone can throw some light on what these are - and if I need to ‘relocate’ them?
Unfortunately I’m not sure what the tree is that they are currently defoliating. Any help gratefully received!

[Trev Sawyer]

They are Lackey moth larvae Deborah... I used to see these every year on trees near my school 50 years ago. I love their little blue "faces" and they always reminded me of an elongated "Dougal" from the "Magic Roundabout" TV series from the same sort of time. Much less common in the UK now I think, but not sure about in France.

[Trev Sawyer]

PS: They look like final instar now, so they shouldn't do much more eating and should all gallop off down the trunk over the next few days to find somewhere to pupate. I'd just leave and enjoy them while you can.

[Deborah]

Brilliant! Thanks a lot. And your comment about Dougall is spot on and made me laugh out loud!