Fox moth caterpillar

ArcLight and Mr A introduced us to Aberlady Nature Reserve today, where we met a number of these guys on the path.

A quick Google for hairy dark brown caterpillar identified them as the overwintering final instar of the fox moth caterpillar, frequently found "sunning themselves" on the paths.

We had a lovely walk - the rain we'd been watching all morning cleared up, and although quite cloudy, it remained dry and pleasant.