Gopher writes
In message , K
writes
Gopher writes
In message , Hugh Newbury
writes
Please help identify a strange (to me) caterpillar. It is about 25mm
long, dirty grey in colour, hairy with long hairs, not furry, two
antennae(?) at one end, and spiky tail(?) at the other end. I found
it this morning on the jamb of the front door in my rural village street.

I have looked in the insect field guide without success. It most
closely resembles the caterpillar of the garden tiger (Arctia caja),
with fewer and longer hairs and with a tail and antennae.

I have it safe in a plastic bag for now, but it will need to be
released soon, so please reply quickly!

Posted and answered in uk.rec.natural-history as Vapourer Moth

BTW - we're awash with them in Leigh, Hugh. Didn't know they crossed
the A37 :-))

Caterpillars are very specific about their food plants. Do you
remember what you found it on? If not, perhaps someone will tell you
what the food plant is for the vapourer moth caterpillar, so you can
release it in the right place!

Good point Kay. Mainly broad leaved woodland - esp. oak. Evershot
enjoys many oak trees in the surrounding area. Maybe it was an oak door
frame :-))

I didn't read the OP well enough ;-)

Could it have been heading off to find somewhere to pupate?
--
Kay