The Vapourer

This is the caterpillar of the Vapourer, or Rusty Tussock Moth (Orgyia antique), a common moth species in British gardens and parks. The caterpillars appear from April to May and look scary, with red and yellow colour markings and 4 toothbrush-like tufts of yellow hairs. This is why they get the common name of Tussock Moth. The hairs protect caterpillars from their enemies and can cause skin irritation, so it is better to avoid handling them. The caterpillars feed on a wide range of deciduous trees and shrubs. The males are day-flying moths, active from July to September. The females are wingless and flightless, looking like hairy woodlice.