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Hickory tussock moth caterpillar (Lophocampa caryae) on a raspberry bush branch. The arrival of these hairy white and black caterpillars is a sure sign that summer is nearing the end. Although these cute little caterpillars look soft enough to touch, resist the urge to do so. The hairs have microscopic barbs that may cause allergic reactions. This is a great defense mechanism that discourages predators. Geotagged,Lophocampa caryae,United States Click/tap to enlarge

Hickory tussock moth caterpillar (Lophocampa caryae) on a raspberry bush branch.

The arrival of these hairy white and black caterpillars is a sure sign that summer is nearing the end. Although these cute little caterpillars look soft enough to touch, resist the urge to do so. The hairs have microscopic barbs that may cause allergic reactions. This is a great defense mechanism that discourages predators.

    comments (2)

  1. View Ferdy Christant's profile
    Ferdy Christant
    Lion
    View Lion class
    Great find. Here's the deadliest caterpillar of them all that uses the same defense strategy:
    http://www.jungledragon.com/specie/135/giant_silkworm_moth.html     Posted 11 years ago
    1. View Deb Cappello's profile
      Deb Cappello
      Snow Leopard
      View Snow Leopard class
      Wow! Lonomia obliqua sounds like a whole bunch of trouble to touch! But more interesting than the bad is the good...possible medical uses for an anti-clotting. Nature is a wonderfully amazing thing! Thanks for sharing this!
       Posted 11 years ago

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The Hickory tussock moth

"Lophocampa caryae", the hickory tussock moth or hickory halisidota, is a moth in the family Arctiidae. Like most species in its family, the caterpillars acquire chemical defenses from their host plants. The behaviour and aposematic coloration of the larvae also suggests chemical protection in this stage, although they have not been analyzed for alkaloid or cardenolide content.

Info 14 0
Similar species: Moths And Butterflies
Species identified by Deb Cappello
View Deb Cappello's profile

By Deb Cappello

All rights reserved
Uploaded Aug 27, 2014. Captured Jan 22, 2015 17:33 in 131-133 Grand Army of the Republic Highway, Kane, PA 16735, USA.
country flag of United States of America Explore United States of America 39,925 9,640 8
  • Canon PowerShot A1000 IS
  • f/2.7
  • 1/159s
  • ISO125
  • 6.2mm
Captured in the winter. More winter photos.