Caterpillars
Caterpillars are the larvae of butterflies and moths. There are 59 different species of butterfly in the UK but around 2,500 moth species.
Below are some of the caterpillars our Identification and Advisory Service team is most often asked about. Select one to find out more, including identification clues.
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Grey dagger moth caterpillar, Acronicta psi
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Elephant hawk-moth caterpillar, Deilephila elpenor
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Angle shades moth caterpillar, Phlogophora meticulosa
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Goat moth caterpillar, Cossus cossus
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Drinker moth caterpillar, Euthrix potatoria
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Fox moth caterpillar, Macrothylacia rubi
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Vapourer moth caterpillar, Orgyia antiqua
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Puss moth caterpillar, Cerura vinula
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Sycamore moth caterpillar, Acronicta aceris
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Knot grass moth caterpillar, Acronicta rumicis
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Lackey moth caterpillar, Malacosoma neustria
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Buff ermine moth caterpillar, Spilosoma luteum
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Pale tussock moth caterpillar, Calliteara pudibunda
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Lime hawk-moth caterpillar, Mimas tiliae
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Buff-tip moth caterpillar, Phalera bucephala
Can't find your caterpillar?
If you want help identifying a caterpillar but can't see it in this gallery, you can post your own image and ask our experts and enthusiasts in the Bug forum.
