Tussock Moth Caterpillar

Lymantriinae get the common name "Tussock Moth" because of the tufts of hair on the back of their larvae. These tufts are reminiscent of clumps of grass known as "tussocks". Wikipedia's article gives some useful information on this kind of larva, with a particular reference to "urticating hairs". Every child in the Philippines knows to avoid contact with these larvae because the urticating hairs cause severe itching and rashes. There is a great variety of colours and patterns displayed by the different species. So identification during the larval stages is not easy.