Hickory Tussock Moth Caterpillar - Lophocampa caryae

Caterpillar that is completely covered in black and white setae. They have black tufts along the middle of their dorsal surface, and four long black hairs (two at the front and two at the back). The longer bristles on the Hickory Tussock Caterpillar are barbed, urticating hairs that contain irritating secretions. Urticating = HURTicating.

Habitat: Mixed forest

comments (6)

Patomarazul

Lion

So pretty! Posted 6 years ago
1. Christine Young
  
  Lion
  
  Thanks Marta! Posted 6 years ago

Flown Kimmerling

Lion

Absolutely perfect! Posted 6 years ago
1. Christine Young
  
  Lion
  
  Thanks :) Posted 6 years ago

Ferdy Christant

Lion

Nailed it! Posted 6 years ago
1. Christine Young
  
  Lion
  
  Thank you! Posted 6 years ago

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 Christine Young