Lasiocampa quercus – I came across this striking hairy caterpillar as it crawled over a sea wall when I was on a visit to Llandudno, Wales. They do not feed on oak as the English name leads us to believe, but its cocoon looks much like an acorn. The hairs may cause skin irritation, which is the caterpillar’s defense mechanism. They can grow up to 80mm (3 -1/8in) long.
The larva can take a year to grow in the south, and two years further north where it is cooler. They feed quite rapidly and change appearance as they grow which can make them hard to identify compared to other Eggars. It feeds on a variety of plants, including heather and bramble.
Double-click images to enlarge.
© Peter Hillman ♦ 24th April 2014 ♦ West Shore, Llandudno, Wales ♦ Nikon D3200
Nature Journeys 
It’s a shame they can be destructive, as they are so attractive. Fine shots, Pete!
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Thank you, Belinda 🙂
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Keep away from this woolly critter! 😀
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Pingback: Oak Eggar — Peter’s Photo Journal – PerchSpective
A fuzzy friend! Nice pictures
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🙂 Thank you, Sandra 🙂 Best not stroke him though 🙂
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I’m sure! I noticed this was taken with a D3200. I have a D3300 that I’ve been wanting to upgrade for a while. Finally decided on the D7500. I think that’s what you use too? Do you like it?
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I have been using the D7200 for the past couple of years, which is a fabulous camera and which I use all the time now for everything. The D7500 would be an upgrade from this, and looks like a really good camera. Google comparisons before splashing out 🙂
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Glad you like it! I’ve read that your model is the favorite of the 2 because of the dual memory slots and the extra battery option. But I’m fine without those features. Looking forward to experimenting with it! Your photography is beautiful!
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Thank you, Sandra 🙂 I will look forward to seeing some of your photos taken with your new camera! It’s aways exciting having a new one to play with 🙂
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Very attractive indeed. Love the angle and DOF of the last shot.
Looks like a cross between burnished gold and copper.
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Thank you, Vicki 🙂
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What a lovely rust orange color on this guy.
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They do certainly stand out. It was just by luck that I caught sight of it as a I strolled by.
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I’m glad you explained the species name quercus, which I’d misinterpreted.
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Double egger (sp) means something different around here at breakfast time. 🙂 All those hairs say that this guy goes down pretty scratchy. I like the rich orange.
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Lol! 🙂 Yes very scratchy to the throat and hands if handled. Can you give you a rash, not that I have tried to swallow one or shake hands with one 😉
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