caterpillar ID please!

[mothhawk]

Found this rather spectacular creature on the underside of a raspberry leaf. Any ideas?

[veggiechicken]

Is it a Vapourer Moth caterpillar? The Vapourer Orgyia antiqua - UKMoths

[mothhawk]

Yes, that's it VC! Thanks. I'll have to move it off the rasps and out of the garden, I think, since the females apparently don't fly, otherwise it'll be a case of one this year, dozens the next, if this one turns out to be female.

[Martin H]

Wow VC, you sure know your moths!

I'm a pretty keen spotter myself but I've not come across that chappie. I blame being brought up in the North... Vapourer moths are apparently mainly southerners.

[mothhawk]

I think I prefer its common name - Rusty Tussock moth. It sounds much more rural somehow. Wonder why its called a vapourer. Apparently likes lime and birch trees, there's one of each just across the way, so out he/she goes tomorrow.

[veggiechicken]

I thought it was a Tussock moth but had to goggle which one - its aka Rusty Tussock
Vapourer Moths - Rusty Tussocks - Orgyia antiqua - UK Safari

Snap MH

[Nicos]

Gosh...never seen one of those before!

Both the moth and caterpillar look lovely!