Almost identical to the fox moth but the whiteish spots on the oak eggar give it away. Apparently you Northeners might have your own subspecies known as the northern eggar.
If you can keep your head, while those around you are losing theirs, you may not have grasped the seriousness of the situation.
Thanks folks for all your replies. I've never heard of fox moth caterpillar let alone seen one. I've also had confirmation from www.facebook.com/wildbeekeeper/ in SW France that's he's definitely a fox moth caterpillar (no white spots). All charges are dropped and he will be set free right now. Phew... life saved and nothing to worry about.
It may be of interest that @wildbeekeeper is happy to identify caterpillars etc. if you upload a photo to his facebook page.
Haven’t seen the oak ones here @philippa smith2, fortunately, but ‘our’ pine procession was fascinating to watch. Chopping down the tree after they left seems a bit extreme but the caterpillars do such horrible things to dogs if they investigate... Also, it was an ugly brute, planted by previous owner and totally out of place in our landscape.
Mountainous Northern Catalunya, Spain. Hot summers, cold winters.
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I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...
I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...
http://www.wildlifeinsight.com/about-us/
They will ID caterpillars too
I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...
Glad your one isn't what you thought. They seem very destructive.
I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...