I remember these when I was little and loved them so much I tried to keep them as a pet! I had a shoe box with holes punched in the lid for ventilation and put them inside with a lettuce leaf for food and was so upset when they died. They used to be quite common but maybe not so much now for whatever reason.A black, hairy caterpillar could be a garden tiger moth caterpillar, also known as a "woolly bear". These caterpillars are mostly black with ginger and longer white hairs. They are found in a variety of habitats and are known to feed on stinging nettles, dock leaves, and many garden plants. Another possibility is the brown-tail moth caterpillar, which also has black hairs, but with red and white markings and can cause skin irritation and breathing difficulties.
Sue Hammond ● 14d