Caterpillar in October

[Philtaz]

I was in the garden today when my 4 year old son said "Dad look, a caterpillar".  I walked over and expected it to be a worm or something but it was a brown furry caterpillar, on the move!

How common is this, 2 days before November?  Surely it won't become a chrysalis then butterfly anytime soon?  They don't 'overwinter' anywhere do they?  Is it something to do with the mild weather/climate change?

Can anyone beat New Forester to the answer?

 

[RATTER15]

Im not sure if this is normal for this time of year but I have also seen a few hairy caterpillars around in my garden.

 

[Elfin]

It is probably a moth caterpillar, many of which overwinter as small caterpillars until the following spring.

However, there are a few butterflies that overwinter as caterpillars too, and they tend to be the less common species.

Your regional location in the UK could give a clue to their identity.

 

[Rock Mommy]

I think I have the same ones in my garden - they are about 2 inches long, very dark brown and have spiky fur - they are very quick (for a caterpillar) and very aggressive and rear up if you approach them (freaks my dog out).  Saw loads in late September and 1 last week.  I live in West Yorkshire.  I'd be so pleased if someone could tell me what it is!

[gerkin]

There are ~50 moth species that appear in autumn and early winter.