1638 Macrothylacia rubi (Fox Moth)

Lasiocampidae Final length: ~75mm.

These big furry caterpillars can often be seen on Moorland on warmer sunny days through the Winter, basking in the sun, or looking for a quick snack on any Bramble leaves that they can find. Technically, they hibernate over Winter in the UK, but in mild Cornwall I've found that they are almost as active as in the Autumn or Spring, although they rarely eat very much during the colder period.