Alien on aubergine!

This amazing caterpillar appeared on my aubergine plants....what a strange creature............anyone know what it is?  Thanks, HilaryG

Is it a ladybird larva?

Gillie

Found it in Collins Little Gem Guide!  It's the larvae of a daytime flying moth called Vapourer,  Orgyia antiqua. 'Punk caterpillar' sounds pretty good though.  Feeds on deciduous trees from Spring onwards,  most of Europe.
In fact, in the book I'd made a note that I'd seen it in the garden in June 2001.........just shows what my memory's like....
If I can remember the way, I'm off to the allotment.............