whta kind of caterpiller is this ?

[feralkitten]

so i live in fife scotland and i was taken photo for my portfolo for starting hopefully college when i came across a plant with lots of black caterpillers and i am hopeing some one can tell me what kind they are
the only thing is i dont know how to get the photo in for yous
http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid= ... to_comment
http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid= ... to_comment

sorry if this is not right place to ask i'm new

[Vince Massimo]

Hi Sarah,

I'm fairly certain that these are the caterpillars of the Peacock butterfly.

Vince

EDIT: I have since seen a closer image and some of the caterpillars have a faint yellow stripe down their sides. This could make them Small Tortoiseshell instead, but time will tell.

[feralkitten]

they do look like them turn in to nice butterflys then

[Vince Massimo]

Hi Sarah,

They are one of the most striking species in Britain and a great favourite with many people. You can see photos and information here:
http://www.ukbutterflies.co.uk/species.php?species=io

Vince

If they are Small Tortoiseshell you will find details here:
http://www.ukbutterflies.co.uk/species. ... es=urticae