Black Caterpillars

[mirita]

I have just discovered at the bottom of the garden a large cluster of black caterpillars, on some nettles. Being an eco friendly sort of person, until I know for certain they are a pest and not destined to be butterfly's, I am reluctant to destroy them.
Could someone advise please. Thanks.

[terrier]

Black, Huh! Look here:

http://www.whatsthiscaterpillar.co.u...ed/index6.html

[Two_Sheds]

Leave them. Could likely be Tortoiseshell or Peacock butterflies.

[Digger-07]

If they're on nettles they ar unlikely to be a problem on the veg. Nettles are often a good habitat for many insects.

they could be Red Admiral which are generally in decline.

[Paulottie]

Cool link thanks terrier.

[alanh]

Black caterpillar on nettles.

Dear Mirita,

I think it is great that you have nettles in your garden.

Red Admiral caterpillars are a greenish-brown.

Your caterpillars are most likely those of the Peacock butterfly: velvety-black with black spikes and tiny white spots all over the back.

Other possibilties:

Small Tortoiseshell - dull-black, spikes, 2 yellow lines on back - in very
serious decline;
Comma - brownish-black with a large white patch on its back, a
very pretty butterfly, not that common.

Alanh.