Hickory tussock moth

Lophocampa caryae

"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.
Hickory Tussock Moth Pupa - Lophocampa caryae Oblong cocoon with black and white setae woven into it. The setae, which are urticating, come from the caterpillar stage. Habitat: Found on the underside of a rotting log Arctiidae,Geotagged,Hickory tussock moth,Lophocampa,Lophocampa caryae,Spring,United States,moth pupa,pupa

Behavior

There is one generation per year.
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 Geotagged,Hickory tussock moth,Lophocampa caryae,Summer,United States,caterpillar

Reproduction

The larva, a caterpillar, is completely covered in long, hairlike setae arranged in spreading tufts. Most are white, but there are black tufts along the middle of the back, and four long black hair pencils, two near the front, and two near the back. These hairs cause itchy rashes in some people. They are microscopically barbed and may cause serious medical complications if they are transferred from the hands to the eyes. There are black spots along the sides, and the head capsule is black.

The later-instar caterpillars are seen between July to September. They feed in groups of about 100 or so in the early instars, skeletonizing leaves. Older larvae are solitary. They grow up to 4.5 centimeters long before pupating.

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Taxonomy
KingdomAnimalia
DivisionArthropoda
ClassInsecta
OrderLepidoptera
FamilyErebidae
GenusLophocampa
SpeciesL. caryae
Photographed in
United States of America