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 (4)

Flown Kimmerling

Lion

Oh my! This shot....how did you get it so perfect!? Posted 6 years ago
1. Christine Young
  
  Lion
  
  Thank you :). It was a random, lucky shot! Posted 6 years ago
2. 1. Ernst
    
    Lion
    
    You are to modest, Christine.
    Great macro. Posted 6 years ago
  2. 1. Christine Young
      
      Lion
      
      Thanks Ernst! (*^_^*) 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