From the findings of my reading around various websites, this is an example of a Buff Ermine Moth or Spilosoma luteum. You can read more details about this type of moth from this article.
I was very impressed when I first saw this type of moth as it reminded me of what's normally associated with someone dressed up as a ‘viking’ : a helmet with horns and the brown furry top plus the cape conjured up that idea in my head - an overgeneralisation for sure.
This article describes the Buff Ermine Moth caterpillar as common but I honestly had not noticed this type of moth anywhere around before.
I first found the moth on a wall outside in plain daylight : I took a few photos and then left. Then I saw the moth inside the house by a window (perhaps it was not the same, but it did look identical).
Sadly Google’s collage making tool was not that successful this time
A few days after I saw this moth alive, I came across its body. I turned it around and could see the underside so clearly. I had to photograph it. It’s still so impressive and unusual with a tinge of bird on its head.
I also found this article which basically lists the types of vegetation that the caterpillar will eat - quite a vast range in my opinion including the usual stinging nettle. So many insects depend on the existence of stinging nettles and we are obsessed with eradicating it (well, not so much now).
This final article on this unusual moth confirms a doubt I’ve had for a while. Caterpillars will eat voraciously while at that stage, they then become dormant for a while and when they finally become what we call moths, ‘ what do they eat ?’ The article I read confirms my suspicion that they do not eat ( which is very sad) and also that they are ‘passive’ during the day, which explains why I tend to find them in the morning and can take many photos of them and they do not look disturbed in any way.
Can you guess what type of moth comes next ?
Thank you for stopping by !