Emperor moth caterpillar

[BlackPanther]

Adult emperor moths (saturnia pavonia) are hard to find and photograph, but we were lucky enough to stumble upon one caterpillar. Lovely coloured creature, green with pink strawberry-like dots. We didn't touch it though - let this little fellow go about its own business

Emperor moth caterpillars feed on heather and bramble, so plenty of food for them to graze on in Scottish wilderness. I hope to meet the adult moth one day

[mband]

Isn't nature amazing!

Great photo

[basscadet]

Well done you! I could never have the self discipline not to stroke a hairy catipillar

[CharlesT]

That's a super specimen and well captured! You'll have to wait till next April to see the moths though.

[AnnieMacD]

It's a lovely caterpillar, BP. Here's a photo I took of the moth on 10th May this year - up behind my house.
Emperor Moth by AnnieMacD, on Flickr

[Roger n Sue Fellows]

It's well worth NOT stroking hairy caterpillars, the hairs may cause significant irritation.

[onsen]

Colourful caterpillar & beautifully marked moth...great pics.