Spring in CH

After a disastrous autumn and winter, when all the caterpillars I was following towards hibernation died, I have managed to find just four new caterpillars so far this spring. Two are high in trees and their instar is difficult to determine. Two are lower down and are causing me some confusion.

This is Faith. She is a big, fat 4th grader, a little over an inch long:

This is Willow. She is also a little over an inch long, but has been laid up for ecdysis for a couple of days:

Before she adopted the prayer posture I had assumed she was 4th instar. Given the date, she must be 3rd instar, preparing for 4th - but I can't recall seeing such a large 3rd grader.

I'll be keeping a close eye on her.

Guy