I just found this caterpillar in my garden. I’m about to mow the grass for the first time. Can I safely handle it? What type of caterpillar is it?
For reference, I’m in Leeds, UK. Here are some pictures:
It’s about 5cm long and 1cm wide. Thanks
After a bit of Googling I think I found it. It’s a pale tussock moth caterpillar. https://butterfly-conservation.org/moths/pale-tussock
It says it irritates the skin and can cause a nasty rash so I’m staying away for now.
I might risk moving it with a trowel and small tub though.