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Bev Wigney | profile | all galleries >> Caterpillars

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Caterpillars

The following is a collection of a few of the caterpillars that I've photographed over the past few years. If you're interested in seeing my most recent photos, writing or other work, please visit my nature blog, Burning Silo.

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5th instar of a Black Swallowtail -- Papilio polyxenes	Papilio polyxenes (molting) - Black Swallowtail	Papilio polyxenes - Black Swallowtail exposing osmeterium	3rd instar of a Black Swallowtail -- Papilio polyxenes	4th instar of a Black Swallowtail -- Papilio polyxenes
Pearly Wood-nymph	Eumorpha pandorus -- caterpillar 1	Eumorpha pandorus -- caterpillar 2	sphinx moth caterpillar - 1	sphinx moth caterpillar - 2
Ctenucha virginica - Virginia Ctenucha caterpillar - molting	Ctenucha virginica - Virginia Ctenucha caterpillar - molting	Ctenucha virginica - Virginia Ctenucha caterpillar	Elm Sawfly - Cimbex americana	Elm Sawfly - Cimbex americana
Elm Sawfly - Cimbex americana	Dasychira caterpillar -- at rest (Perhaps D. vagans ??)	Dasychira caterpillar -- on the move -- (perhaps D. vagans ??)	Eastern Tent Caterpillar -- view 1	Eastern Tent Caterpillar -- view 2
Cooperative effort -- Saw fly larvae	Symmerista canicosta -- caterpillar	Aster caterpillar	Milkweed tussock caterpillar -- Euchaetes egle - 1	Milkweed tussock caterpillar -- Euchaetes egle - 2
Leopard moth -- Ecpantheria scribonia -- caterpillar -- view 1	Leopard moth -- Ecpantheria scribonia -- caterpillar -- view 2	Hyalophora cecropia caterpillar	Hyalophora cecropia caterpillar	Hyalophora cecropia caterpillar
Hyalophora cecropia caterpillar feet	Hyalophora cecropia caterpillar --head	Hyalophora cecropia caterpillar -- head	Hyalophora cecropia caterpillar -- size	cecropia caterpillar with parasitoids
close view of parasitoids on cecropia caterpillar	Hyalophora cecropia caterpillar on Rhamnus frangula	Hyalophora cecropia caterpillar on Rhamnus frangula	Hyalophora cecropia caterpillar on Rhamnus frangula	Luna (Actias luna) caterpillar -- parasitized & found dying in forest
Orgyia antiqua - 8308 - Rusty Tussock Moth - cat	Orgyia antiqua - 8308 - Rusty Tussock Moth	Orgyia antiqua - 8308 - Rusty Tussock Moth	Virginian Tiger Moth caterpillar -- Spilosoma virginica	Virginian Tiger Moth -- Spilosoma virginica - 1
Virginian Tiger Moth -- Spilosoma virginica - 2	Silver-spotted skipper / -- Epargyreus clarus ?	Virginian Tiger Moth caterpillar-- Spilosoma virginica	Yellow caterpillar 1	Yellow caterpillar 2

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Caroline		03-Jul-2009 11:52
I also have this black and yellow caterpillar on my broccoli but instead of being smooth it's furry it's also leaving a lot of faeces or is this it's off spring? What type of caterpillar are they I am very interested and not worried about the plants as there almost finished anyhow.

Abby		02-Jul-2009 17:52
I have a smooth and yellow and black caterpillar? on my broccoli plants n my garden. It seems to be leaving behind a lot of feces. Will it hurt my plants? If so, how do I get rid of it nicely?

Bev Wigney		27-Jun-2009 12:41
Terry - Is it possible that the caterpillar is actually a sawfly larva. Many of them resemble caterpillars, but are not. They have legs only at the front of the body and legless back-ends. There are tons of species of those, many specific to particular trees and even to plants such as poison ivy. Most have a similar behaviour. When disturbed, they lift the back part of their bodies and curve it and make flicking motions that are probably meant to scare away a predator. If it isn't a sawfly larva, then I'd guess it's the larva of a species of moth. You might look around on the net to try to find out which moths use the butternut as their host plant.

Terry		26-Jun-2009 01:58
These photos are great and this site is really interesting. But I have not found a caterpillar that matches the on eating my butternut. The caterpillar is about 1/2 inch long (1 cm) it is a translucent "jelly" like and has two creamy/light green lines along the length. The butternut (2 1/2 feet high) is losing any or all foliage that attempts to form- seeems to be eaten at the base of the compound leaf... HELP!

Bev Wigney		14-Jun-2009 13:25
Diana's caterpillars sound like Eastern Tent Caterpillars to me. The tents are not always seen as the caterpillars tend to start wandering off in all directions once they get to be fairly large. There's a photo of one in my galleries: http://www.pbase.com/crocodile/image/29748887 They don't bite, but their hair is irritating-- can cause itchiness and if one should be close enough to breathe the broken off hair particles, it can cause respiratory irritation -- which, i've heard, can affect some people quite a bit. Apart from damage to leaves, they will generally disappear again on their own and, in most cases, the plants recover and grow some new leaves. Some years, there will be greater outbreaks than others, and these caterpillars will seem more conspicuous. In my own region (eastern Ontario) some areas seem to have a bumper crop of them this year. = answer for caterpillar observer == I'm not sure what you're caterpillar would be. I would have to see photos of it. Also, very small caterpillars are often earlier instars and don't look too much like the final instar, so can be very difficult to ID -- the example of the Black Swallowtail caterpillars in the first row of photos of this gallery is a good example of how one species can appear quite different at each molt.

Diana		13-Jun-2009 20:57
We have an epidemic of 2 differant catepillars overnight in our garden,fruit trees and plain old all over everywhere ground,dog house it's crazy.One is velvety hair with a blue stripe running end to end on both sides and a black stripe down it's back with yellow spots in the black stripe. Fuzzy with some long hairs Orange-brownish with a thin white stripe down the center of it's back with orange on either side of the stripe, then patches of black with a blue dot in it and orange/yellow broken in between each patch all this running head to tail. Please help they are everywhere and don't know if they will sting or hurt the animals but they are eating everything in site. Thank you for your help.

caterpillar observer<3		12-Jun-2009 22:15
P.S. --- I called it Jesse, because it is a unisex name, and i am not sure of it's gender either. ~caterpillar observer<3

caterpillar observer<3		12-Jun-2009 22:13
Hey Bev, your collection is quite a sight. today i found a little caterpillar, no bigger than a centimeter. [He] has a yellow head, about 16 or 14 tiny, tiny legs, a gray/black back and underneath is whitish gray. What kind is he??? ~caterpillar observer<3

bang le		03-Jun-2009 01:27
i found this black caterpillar n my house and it was really spiky plus it has this orange or red like color as stripes when it moves what you think i should feed it and is it going to turn into a butterfly?

Katiega		16-May-2009 00:47
My mom has found a caterpillar that is black all over and it is really spiny with small dots of red down its back. It has been on my mom's tree in the front yard. Is it poisonous or what? Thanks for your info.

shari		06-May-2009 21:06
i have a large catapillar about 2 inches long as big around as my pinky it has orange hair,and black and yellow hairless bands. it is very jumpy and moves fast can anyone identify this catapillar

Guest		09-Apr-2009 22:05
I live in Los Angeles, and we have had a bunch of large (about 2" long or more..) black fuzzy caterpillars make cocoons on our door jambs. Will they turn in to moths? If so, are they the kind that will eat my sweaters? I am hoping they will be butterflies, but I think that is wishful thinking. Should I remove the cocoons before they hatch? Please advise.

jacob		04-Apr-2009 14:37
at school on da ground i saw a tiger swallowtail caterpiller then my friend squished it and billing of guts came out he only squished it a tiny bit. it was green and it had a spike on its tail

Katie		25-Mar-2009 11:45
Hi i currently work in a daycare in central florida. and we have catepillars galore on our playground which is not unusual for this time of year, but we have noticed a catepillar that has a red head and two spike thing on it one at the head and one at the back end, it also has what looks like 3 egg like things on it's back. along with that catepillar we have what i believe or tree tent catepillars they are blueish, grayish, and have orange those i know we are able to let the kids play with for they are not dangerous, but i am wondering about the red headed ones. Thanks

Bev Wigney		23-Mar-2009 14:55
Hi omar, I can't really guess at what type of caterpillar that would be, but there are all kinds of odd looking ones around. The one you have described sounds possible. Some of the furry species look odd right after they molt, so perhaps that explains how it appeared when you saw it. regards, bev

omar rangel		22-Mar-2009 10:45
hello at my house i found a caterpiller but ive never seen any thing like it. it was green kinda normal but it had metal spikes on its back. they look more like fangs this was like 2yr ago and i have never seen it again. i was talikn to my brother the other day and he told me he saw the same thing. ive looked of it online all over the place. i tell people what i saw and they think im cazy so can some one help me? im stating to think im crazy

Alison Perry		22-Nov-2008 13:38
My name is Alison Perry I found a yellow catapillar with black & white eyes, also, what appears to be a black mouth -- with some white. It looks like a cartoon. I will send a photo as soon as I can get my computer on line. Right now I'm on my parents computer. Please send me your email so I can send you a photo and maybe you can tell me what it is? It does not seem to have hair, but is bald -- it's head is held up and it appears to have a face. Very bizarre. Thanks, Alison email: Alisnperry@aol.com

jilan		18-Nov-2008 17:08
the caterpillar in my spanish garden was about 5/6 inches long with a black and white head the markings of a snake on its body and a small horn on its rear end. what is it going to turn into. i do have a photo of it

Bev Wigney		08-Oct-2008 10:52
Hi Suzanne, I use both a Nikon CP4500 and a Nikon CP8800 for most of my macro photography. Thanks for your kind comments about my photos. - bev

Suzanne		07-Oct-2008 13:12
What wonderful photography!! nice to know i'm not the only one to take a million snapshots of things like this!! and who's fascinated w/ pics like the legs, & close ups, if u don't mind me asking, what type of camera do you use? i have a canon, digital. my daughter & i found a caterpillar, not one i knew, so i was trying to ID it, & i found your website! it is the black swallowtail, we are in PA, thx for this site, it is really wonderful! our caterpillar is going into a chrysallis (sorry bout the spelling). would love to share photos or stay in contact sometime, my email is: spicey772005@yahoo.com. i wish i had found your site when i was doing research for a children's article i was writing! thanks again for sharing your talent!!

Nancy		29-Sep-2008 19:26
Thank you for your wonderful website! Nice job photographing! My kids found a big, thick caterpillar in our yard, The two front legs are point and it has yellow and black spots. Any clue. What ones are dangerous?

Nancy		29-Sep-2008 19:26
Thank you for your wonderful website! Nice job photographing! My kids found a big, thick caterpillar in our yard, The two front legs are point and it has yellow and black spots. Any clue. What ones are dangerous?

Bonita and Dominic		28-Sep-2008 17:54
Hi there, I am sending this message from Norwich in England, United Kingdom I have found what I think is a Orgyia detrita caterpillar which I found in a basket bought at a car boot sale. It seems to originate from Florida and I wondered if it is common for them to be in this part of the world? Many thanks.

lynzi roberts		27-Sep-2008 13:22
hi i found a yellow caterpillar with thick tufts of yellow fur and thin ones. a white head and it had a tail like a dog that was a redish pinkish colour just wondered what type it is

Linda		22-Sep-2008 00:39
We really like your Web Site. Gorgeous pictures. My husband and I found a caterpiller with vertical black and white stripes and a yellow underside. One site called it a Sawr caterpillar, however, we cannot find any information on it. Is there a Sawr caterpillar. If so, what type of butterfly does it become? Thank you so much for your help.

Mary		21-Sep-2008 00:15
Thank youfor a great gallery of caterpillars...when, I find something unusual it is marvelous to find the name. I just found a large ~2 1/2" fuzzy yellow with a few black hairs sticking out...it has demolished the leaves on a passion flower vine so, still looking for what this buddy is. But, Thank you for you photos and info.

jake		19-Sep-2008 20:29
hi what do the hyalophor cecppia grow into

Garret		14-Sep-2008 17:10
Hi, When I was in the desert near Phoenix, I found a yellow and black caterpillar. About 2-3 inches long. It has teeth and no fur.They were on a bush and on the ground. The cows were eating them because they were everywhere.I brought two home to take care of. Does anyone know what kind this is? Thanks, G

Betty Normore		07-Sep-2008 15:38
Hi, I live in NL Canada and just recently found these caterpillars in my garden; they are furry with a yellow body, black on both ends with white spikes protruding from the ends and a black mark down the middle of the yellow body. Can you identify these for me please????

LAWRENCE CHILKEWITZ		01-Sep-2008 15:50
HELLO HAVE BROWN CATAPILLARS WITH ORANGE SPIKES ON A RARE PLANT. DONT REMEMBER THE NAME BUT IT HAS FLOWERS SHAPED LIKE AN AMOBA. BOUGHT AT HOME DEPOT AND THEY SAY PLANT IS RARE. PASTOR JOE 33 CATAPILLARS ON ONE PLANT. WHAT DO YOU THINK? MAYBE THE NAME OF PLANT IS CALAICO????

Bev Wigney		26-Aug-2008 00:30
Hi everyone who has asked about caterpillars -- what kind, etc... Combined, there are a few thousand different moth and butterfly larvae, so the chances of me knowing what kind of caterpillar you have seen, especially from a written description, are quite slim. In my galleries, you'll see photos of the most common species in this area of eastern Ontario, so you may find a match among them. Please keep in mind that a larger number of moths and butterflies are only found in certain areas of the continent, so I won't be familiar with them. A few of you have asked if caterpillars can sting. Yes, there are a number of species that can sting or leave welts on your skin. Some of the caterpillars with "hair" can cause stinging, eye irritation, and even respiratory irritation. My advice to everyone is to not handle caterpillars, especially those with fuzzy hair, and especially those that have coarse-looking branching hairs as those often sting -- sometimes very painfully. I don't know much about how to heal a caterpillar sting. Most stings probably go away after a few hours, but some of the wounds that are really bad can last for several days. bev

curious steve		25-Aug-2008 21:03
Bev, please help if you can. My 5 year old niece broke out in spotted rash on skin and around eyes(presumably after rubbing it) after playing with 2 caterpillars,(furry, yellow and black, i think there was some red to them also). They were found on a leaf in downtown Welland, Ontario. Could these be the cause? Thanks so much. I'll look for a reply if you have the time.

Sybil		25-Aug-2008 17:19
We live in southwestern Milwaukee (Wisconsin) county. On a dried up New England aster twig near a false goldenrod, I found a black caterpillar approx 1.75" long with yellow squares on its body. Went through every caterpillar book I and our local suburban library have (even the children's section!) but couldn't find the critter! Any suggestions as to its identity? This web site is terrific!

Heather		24-Aug-2008 00:05
Hello from Pa. We found 2 catapillars near our horse barn. They have big heads and big black eyes. The first one we found was green and the second one was yellow, now they are both yellow. They almost look like they have tongues. Please help us identify them. Thank you.

Guest		20-Aug-2008 17:24
From Newfoundland Canada. Can Caterpillar contact (accidentally squished it on my neck before realizing what it was) cause a "rash" itching, raised bumps and swelling? If so, how long will symptoms last? Anything I can do?

Wendy		16-Aug-2008 14:34
I have pictures I can send later, but now I don't have my camera cable. I am in lower North Carolina visiting. My brother has beautiful potted roses that were consumed within 2 days, leaves and flowers. There are pearl looking eggs in the pots. The caterpillars are about 1-1/2" long. Yellow fuzzy, with black streak on underbelly. Red head with long feathered antenna, three red bumps on front behind head, and a long pointed "stinger" on his end. They make cottony type cocoons on under side of few remaining dead leaves.When I touched one with the back of my hand I had slight redness and itching for a few hours. Any idea without a picture?

Rhondia Harlow		14-Aug-2008 04:37
Hi, I have been searching several days now for a Caterpillar we found in our yard the other day and have been able to do so. i wish i had put it in some thing and kept and may search for it this weekend. i took it across the street because we were getting ready to mow and didn't want it to get killed. Lets see if I can describe it well enough. It was very large. I would say around 3 inches long and bigger then a jumbo hot dog around. It had a yellow face area and tail area, had grey hairs in rows clear down its body. I believe the body was grey in color also. This may sound awful but it looked almost like a large moving turd. Any help in identifying this catterpillar would be much appreciated. I don't know if this helps but I live in east central Illinois. I have lived in this area all my life and have never seen anything like this but am very interested to find out what type of butterfly or moth it may be.

kb		13-Aug-2008 16:05
The question below could be about tobacco hornworms (Manduca sexta). They like tomato plants and are often parasitized by Cotesia (brachonid wasps) that emerge as white eggs on the back of the caterpillers. These caterpillars are green with 7 oblique white lines above the spiracles that I often think are edged in blue above in later instars. The horn is often reddish in mine. Hope this helps...

Carol Greco		13-Aug-2008 00:03
We have unidentified strange looking caterpillars on our tomato plants. They look like the green horned sphinx with many white long oval eggs standing upright on top of their backs. What are they? I have looked all over the internet. thanks! Carol

P Cantin		12-Aug-2008 15:47
I live in southwestern Ontario and we have been experiencing a large number of fuzzy white caterpillars during the latter part of July and first half of August--they are about 1 inch long with quite long white hair, black head,black underside and a row of black spots on each side with smaller spots beneath these rows.Any idea what they are?

guest		02-Aug-2008 14:56
I't is so hard to find pictures and information on caterpillars. This is a wonderful web-site. Thank you

Rosemarie Kusserow		18-Jul-2008 20:07
Another very enjoyable and so beautiful gallery, vote, Rosemarie :o)

Bryce C.		14-Jul-2008 22:09
Here in N.Y.C there are caterpillars with white fur and two antennae that are brown stick out in front do you know what they are called.

Bev Wigney		08-Jul-2008 12:02
Sarah - Doesn't sound familiar to me, but perhaps some visitor to the gallery will offer their opinion. - bev

Sarah		08-Jul-2008 04:31
I live in mid-Minnesota where my husband found a caterpillar that I can't seem to identify through extensive web search. It is yellow, bumpy smooth, has a black stripe on each side laterally, faint pencil thin black line down the back, short black tufts down the back, black spines like a tree branch (some w/ miniscule spots) all around the sides and by the head which is dark reddish brown-black and the feet in the middle are the same color. Any guess or know for sure? I've seen similar or sorta but nothing exact. Thanks.

Lori		30-Jun-2008 00:04
Hi! My name is Lori, I'm am from Newfoundland Canada and I am having a problem with an ifestation in my aspen trees with catapillers eating the leaves. I'm not sure what they are i've been looking at different web sites to see if I can match one with a picture but cannot. The only kind that looks similar are the eastern tent caterpillars, these do not have quite the same look, they hang from a web at times. they are black with white square spots on its back and has orange/brown hairs on them. They are in thousands. I have pictures, I could send them to you,just let me know how! Thank's Lori West.

Jackie		19-Jun-2008 13:48
I live in Canada, my friend found a caterpillar in her purse when she was cleaning it out. We are from the Niagra Falls area. Its base color is Black with black spikes it seems to have short little white hairs and smooth orange spots on its back! Could you know what it is and what it will turn into. I do have a pic also if you would like to see it! Thanks

Alyak		05-Jun-2008 16:43
Hi, I recently found a brown and blue caterpillar in my driveway. It was slightly fuzzy on the bottom, and was mostly light brown with blue arrows down its back. I got a stick and put it in the garden, then went to get a camera. When I came back, it was gone. I thought it might be a Eastern Tent Caterpillar, but when I saw pictures of them, it was a bit different. I live in Northern New Jersey. Could you possibly tell me what it was? Alyak

Bev Wigney		01-Jun-2008 22:13
I'm not that familiar with caterpillars in British Columbia (I'm in Ontario). There is some difference in species distribution. Did the caterpillar have hair or spiny things covering its body? - bev

Shaughnessy		01-Jun-2008 15:40
we have a black catepillar with a orange stripe down his back and white likes running from the orange stripe. Do you know what type it is? We live in Vernon, BC. Thanks - Shaughnessy

Bev Wigney		26-May-2008 20:55
Hi Laine, I live in Canada, so the species we have up here are fairly different than down your way -- especially species of caterpillars that feed on host plants that we don't have up here, such as the amaryllis. -- bev

laine		26-May-2008 20:41
I live in Ft Lauderdale Fl and have a lot of butterflies and plant many plants for them There are fuzzy and bristled caterpillars, pale yellow when smaller and getting golden brown when I think more mature, eating my amaryllis leaves. There is no black on them. Any ideas thank you, Laine

Bev Wigney		28-Apr-2008 22:28
Hi Kate -- I'm not at all familiar with caterpillars from Australia, so I'm afraid I can't ID it for you. - bev

kate		28-Apr-2008 10:17
In Australia i saw a caterpillar with light coloured fur and a horn at the front (i think) do you have any idea what this is?

Bev Wigney		04-Apr-2008 08:15
Pat - Without seeing a photo of the caterpillar, I can't ID it for you (and might not be able to even if I did). However, most of the time, when an insect has an appearance that is camouflaged to look like a certain plant, tree, etc... it's a good bet that it either feeds on that plant, OR that it is a predator of another insect that would normally be found on that plant. - bev

Pat		02-Apr-2008 20:18
We found what we think is a caterpillar at the base of an oak tree, 2-3 inches long, pinchers on his tail and looks EXACTLY like the bark of the Oak tree. Underside is pinkish and purpleish. He is also agressive. What would he eat?

Bev Wigney		27-Mar-2008 21:14
Carman - They would turn into moth and not butterflies. I should mention that tent caterpillars do not make the best caterpillars to study as -- as far as I know -- the "hair" can break off and float around in the air and I think it can be very irritating to the eyes and respiratory system of humans -- at least, that is what I have read in various sources. If I were to keep caterpillars for children to study, I would choose either the caterpillars of the Monarch or Black Swallowtail butterflies. You'll find the Monarch cats on milkweed in early summer, or the cats of Black Swallowtails on dill plants in the garden (many people find them on their dill). Those both make pretty good project caterpillars for observation.

Bev Wigney		26-Jan-2008 12:50
naturelover --- I would just leave the caterpillar to continue doing what it wants to do. It's not unusual to find some species of caterpillars out and about on mild days during winter. They usually find themselves a suitable refuge when the weather turns cold again.

naturelover		26-Jan-2008 07:39
We found a mostly brown caterpillar with a fairly wide black stripe down it's middle just last week. We believe it came out of the dormancy mode when we had 2 days of 70 degree heat and sun. It has been in a small plastic container and I tried leaving a capful of water for it to drink,but sadly it won't eat or drink. Another 44 degree day is suppose to come up next week so we have decided to put it back underneath our front stoop,where we believe she crawled out from under to begin with. We are hoping she will be better able to do whatever she needs to do. If there is anyone who has a better idea please let us know! Thanks!

Lukey		31-Dec-2007 19:47
My son found a black furry caterpillar in October and put it in a plastic vented terrarium with lots of leaves, sticks, rocks, etc. He also included water in a small bottle cap. Amazingly, it has shed it skin once and doubled in size. We continued feeding it leaves from a tiger lily type plant. Two weeks ago (mid December), it made a tent-like "hibernation" area in the corner of the terrarium. It now seems to be in a shiny, smooth, black pupae of some sort. Is looks most similar to the Tiger Moth photo but it has always been all black with just a very slight bit of orange. What should we expect in terms of a hatch date and what might emerge?

Lukey		31-Dec-2007 19:47
My son found a black furry caterpillar in October and put it in a plastic vented terrarium with lots of leaves, sticks, rocks, etc. He also included water in a small bottle cap. Amazingly, it has shed it skin once and doubled in size. We continued feeding it leaves from a tiger lily type plant. Two weeks ago (mid December), it made a tent-like "hibernation" area in the corner of the terrarium. It now seems to be in a shiny, smooth, black pupae of some sort. Is looks most similar to the Tiger Moth photo but it has always been all black with just a very slight bit of orange. What should we expect in terms of a hatch date and what might emerge?

Starz		30-Dec-2007 23:19
It is December and I found a fat furry all black caterpillar . I can`t find out what kind it is , if it should be outside (I live in PA , USA ) , or and what should I feed it ? I have it in a glass bowl with leaves that it was laying in when I found it ,along with an acorn and a rock . Any info would be great please . If it can live through the freezing snow and winter I will release it . Thank you .

Sharon		27-Nov-2007 00:32
We just recently raised a banded tussock caterpillar but unfortunately due to an overwatering incident he never emerged from his cocoon state. My question is.. do the actual moths eat anything? This was a science project of my sons and I can find little on the moth itself. Could you enlighten us. Thanks.

Guest		11-Nov-2007 16:29
I live in illinois and i found a leopard moth and i wanted to know if i should give him water? I put a wet paper towel in. We put fresh leaves in every day. My daughters loves talking to it. Its a wonderful pet to have because it is less hassle to take care of. If any one has any information on how to care for it please let me know. thanks.

Guest		07-Nov-2007 02:45
I raised a leopard moth cat, and yes, keep giving him fresh leaves as long as he keeps eating. If he stops , he's probably ging to pupate, Put a few inches of loose soil in the bottom of his container, because they burrow when they pupate. Potting soil would be good, because it's free of other bugs. I didn't know about the soil, and mine cocooned between 2 paper towels! I think this species is one that spends the winter in the caterpillar stage. The moth is very pretty, so good luck with your cat! Susan

Megan Barrett		06-Nov-2007 02:42
My son found a Leopard Moth caterpillar. We want to keep it to observe the stages it will go through in becoming a moth. I assume it is getting ready to hibernate- we live in Kansas City and it is getting pretty cold. Any care suggestions to see the caterpillar through the winter and into the spring? Should we keep fresh leaves with it? Thanks!

LC Goh		03-Nov-2007 09:41
thumbs up, voted

Bev Wigney		23-Oct-2007 15:59
Paula - Sorry to not reply sooner, but I'm on a road trip and only checking my email and websites from time to time. Your caterpillar sounds like a Sphinx moth of some kind, but without a photo, I can't really tell you which one it might be. I live in eastern Canada, so am not that familiar with the species that might be found in Phoenix, AZ. No doubt, there are quite a few possibilities. Sometimes it's helpful to know the plant host of the caterpillar as quite a few of the Sphinx species feed almost exclusively on certain plants. The process which you have mentioned about the green gel may have something to do with molting, especially as these caterpillars grow so quickly. Most parasites that I've seen are fairly obvious -- white blobs stuck to the outside of the caterpillar, or black markings which seem to have something dark burrowing into the caterpillar beneath the outer skin, Anyhow, I hope some of that info helps.

Paula		22-Oct-2007 15:07
I'm sorry. I forgot to include that we are located in Phoenix, Arizona.

Paula		19-Oct-2007 23:04
A fellow teacher found a large, pale green caterpillar this week. We can best describe its markings as a brownish repeating "V" pattern down its back. It has one large horn at its backend. We think it is a Sphinx moth caterpillar, but are not sure. 2 days ago, a bright green "gel" started coming out of the back end and has gotten larger. The caterpillar is now moving only slightly every now and then. Could it be moulting, or do you think it is dying? We did see one picture of a caterpillar with some kind of parasite eggs attached that looked like the same color, but were smaller.

Bendi		02-Oct-2007 20:58
We found a green catapillar with a purple point on the end. I was wondering if it was ok to let my little girl take to school with her. What kind of catapillar is it. We live in SE Georgia. Could you please leave a message on my email just in case I can not get back to this site. I would like to know asap.

Guest		19-Sep-2007 00:50
Hi Bev- I'm the guest that asked about the black and yellow caterpillar on the banks of the Colorado. Thanks for the response! That's him/her!!

Katy D.		18-Sep-2007 20:25
I've recently found some caterpillars tearing up a vine of mine. I'm in the southeastern US. The caterpillar is a deep reddish rown with what look to be pretty solid black spikes covering it. also seems to have a black face. I found them in all different sizes, the largest being about 1-1 1/2 inches long, not wide. Any idea?

Bev Wigney		13-Sep-2007 12:36
William - How neat to see a Spicebush Swallowtail. I hope you found some photos of the adult butterfly as they're quite attractive. If not, there are photos here: http://www.butterflygardeningandconservation.com/butterfly/st/spicebush.php ------- tyrone - Thanks! ------- nicki - The Black Swallowtail caterpillar doesn't sting. If provoked, they will extend their osmeterium - little rubbery looking thing on the head - and there is a scent that is released that (to me) resembles the smell of tangerines. I don't think it's harmful to a large creature such as a human, but probably off-putting to insects or possibly birds. There's a photo of one here on my blog: http://magickcanoe.com/blog/2006/08/11/go-away-and-leave-me-alone/

nicki knutson		12-Sep-2007 21:22
i never knew that there were so many different types of catapillars until my daughters found a blackswallowtail catapillar~ do you know, do they sting, are they dangerous?

tyrone		11-Sep-2007 19:46
nice

William Start		10-Sep-2007 15:57
I recently found and photographed a SPICEBUSH caterpillar which I discovered on my cottage door in Lake County, Michigan near Irons, MI. I identified the caterpillar from another website based in England. I've never seen such an unusual caterpillar before and was curious to know what kind of butterfly/moth it turns into. If you're interested in a picture I'd be glad to send them to you.

Bev Wigney		10-Sep-2007 12:30
Jean - Which photo is it at Flickr. If you post a link to it, I'll take a look and see if I can identify which one it is. Chances are, if it is a furry yellow caterpillar with long black lashes (spikes), it's probably one of the Tussock moth caterpillar species. There are several that are somewhat similar, so I'd have to see a photo of one in order to figure out which one it might be.

Jean		09-Sep-2007 16:49
Bev, I see several inquiries about the furry yellow caterpillar with black spikes that like maple trees, and a photo posted from flickr that matches the one on my maple. Howvever, I didn't see any identification of what it it or what kind of butterfly or moth it produces. Any help? Thanks, -JeanW

Bev Wigney		08-Sep-2007 16:08
Cher & "guest" -- Does this look sort of like your caterpillar? http://www.lesinsectesduquebec.com/insecta/27-lepidoptera/Halysidota_maculata.htm If so, it's the Spotted Tussock Moth. They have a pretty wide range and eat leaves of many kinds of trees. There's a photo of the moth down below the image of the caterpillar on the page that I've linked to.

Guest		08-Sep-2007 15:41
Hi- My wife and I also just found one that fits Cher's description. Black, yellow, black with dense "hair", and white spines from end to end. He/she was about 2.5 to three inches long and 5/8 to 3/4 wide. We found it on the banks of the Colorado river.

cher		07-Sep-2007 17:55
I just found a black and yellow caterpillar, actually black, yellow and black (tri color) with white spiky hairs in my crab apple tree and I would like to know what kind it is. I live in Lethbridge, Alberta, Canada. Anyone know?

Guest		07-Sep-2007 00:03
My brother and sister found a caterpillar on our tree earlier, (I think it's an oak tree) but I don't know what kind it is. It is 2 inches long, and 1 inch wide. It is bright green, and it has lots of red spots on it, and there are hairs coming out of the spots.

Bev Wigney		06-Sep-2007 11:26
Diane - Sorry, I don't think I've heard of the caterpillars which you've described. Perhaps they live in a tropical region. I live in Canada and we don't have too many caterpillars that can sting -- and those that do, are considered to be fairly innocuous -- usually some stinging or skin irritation if you come into contact with one.

Diane		30-Aug-2007 21:09
I have been told that there is a variety of caterpillar that lives in a group such that from a distance, it looks like a big flower. As a group, they are supossed to be highly toxic. Would you happen to know the name of the caterpillar &/or have a picture of it? thank you, Diane

Bev Wigney		26-Aug-2007 04:24
Guest - Yes, Euchaetes egle are great caterpillars -- so colourful and so much fun to watch!

Guest		25-Aug-2007 23:07
Thankyou so much! The milkweed I planted for Monarchs was suddenly covered with spectacular small caterpillars. And googling "caterpillars on milkweed" I found your excellent photos -- the critters are Eucahetes egle. They're having a fine old feast of it. Helen, Coventry CT August 25

Bev Wigney		18-Aug-2007 16:29
The only caterpillar I can think of that may match that description is the Saddleback Caterpillar (Acharia stimulea). I haven't photographed one as they aren't supposed to be up here in Canada. I would have thought that Michigan was also too far north, but perhaps not. Anyhow, here's a link to a page with a photo of one (see top photo on the page). These belong in a group known as "Slug Caterpillars" as they move more like slugs than caterpillars, which seems to also fit your description. Also note: These caterpillars have STINGING SPINES and are supposed to have about the strongest sting of any of the North American species of caterpillars. http://www.duke.edu/~jspippen/naturephotos/caterpillars.htm

Guest		17-Aug-2007 21:38
I was hoping you might be able to help me identify a caterpillar that I found recently on a golf course in southern Michigan. He's pretty small (about 1/4 - 1/2 inch long), but a very interesting bug. He has two large horns in front and two in back, along with several smaller ones on both ends. The horns have little bristles all over them, and if you look real close you can see that the tips of the bristle are black. The horns and all of his front and back are a maroonish color, but there is a bright green strip along his back with a dark circle in the middle(it's looks kind of like he's wearing a coat). The bottom of him is all bright green and he doesn't really have legs his belly juse kind of moves like a wave and it pushes him along. I'm planning on taking pictures, which I will post and let you know where if you cannot identify him by this description. I've just never seen anything like it and would be interested to know more about it. Thanks.

Bev Wigney		15-Aug-2007 15:33
Kris - Do you think it actually bit you with its mandibles? Many caterpillars, beetles and other insects have sharply, clawed little feed for gripping plant stalks and will also grip onto what they perceive to be predators in an attempt to make them let go. As for becoming sick from being close to a caterpillar, there are a few species that have setae (hair-like bristles) that can cause some respiratory irritation if they are handled. A small number of caterpillars can cause skin rashes if handled. A few can produce a strong stinging sensation. However, I've never spoken to anyone who has actually had any kind of serious reaction to a caterpillar, although a few people have mentioned minor encounters with the stinging types.

Kris		14-Aug-2007 21:29
I recently found a caterpillar with my daughter and when I picked it up it bit me. I never have been bit before by a caterpillar. We found a yellow (maybe a little golden yellow) fuzzy caterpillar with black spikes. I did not see it on this site. I did not have a camera to take a picture. Can caterpillars make you sick?

Bev Wigney		09-Aug-2007 14:51
ied canada - Thanks for leaving a comment on my blog. I kept some of the caterpillars on the buckthorn and now that they're larger, it looks like they're turning out to be Fall Webworm (Hyphantria cunea). I've since found more on another buckthorn bush, which is good as we have a particularly bad invasive buckthorn in our region. Most caterpillars won't touch it, so it's nice to find these caterpillars feeding upon it.

Guest		09-Aug-2007 04:02
Hi, Thanks for the information on the 4 horned sphinx caterpillar, Bev...this is an awesome informational site and I will check here for all of my boy's caterpillar finds! Thanks again! Marla

ied canada		06-Aug-2007 16:53
The white furry caterpillar and the stick caterpillar I haven't seen since I was a child in West London UK. I am sorry I can't help you there. The buckthorn catepillar although a different colour resembles what is called "tent" caterpillar here in Winnipeg Manitoba. When they swarm they make an awful mess of the crabapple trees. Would these two be a variant of the same moth?

Bev Wigney		02-Aug-2007 12:23
Maria - Yes, yours is probably the Four-Horned Sphinx caterpillar. They can be either green or brownish in colour. When threatened, they do assume a defensive position to try to intimidate anything that is coming near. They're always a great find.

Guest		01-Aug-2007 16:33
HI there, We found what seems to be a 4 horned sphinx by our flower garden (the cat was jumping at it), if you touch it, it jerks its body aggressively. The only difference is that this one is rather purplish/brown on it's top (green on the bottom)...has all the same horns and pattern as the 4 horned sphinx...is it the same thing? Thanks! Marla

Bev Wigney		15-Jun-2007 09:46
Hi Dave - Thanks! Regarding the caterpillar that appeared to be guarding the egg masses, I've never heard of anything such as you describe. Sounds very unusual to me. Did you happen to take any photos of any of this as it's the kind of thing that it is nice to document. As for the other caterpillar, I can't really suggest what it might be. Even with a photo it would be difficult as what you may be seeing is an early instar of a caterpillar that will be much larger by the time it pupates. Really, the only way to know what a lot of the caterpillars are is to put them in a container and supply them with the food that they prefer (usually whatever plant you've found them eating) and raise them until they pupate and see what emerges. I've done that a couple of times in the past and it can be very interesting. With the exception of some of the really large silk moth type caterpillars, most of them grow very quickly, pupate, and will emerge as moths or sometimes butterflies in a remarkably short time. Again, this is all stuff that is fun to document through photos if possible.

Dave		15-Jun-2007 06:18
Hey, love the site! Great pics. I recently found a black caterpillar with yellow linear stripes and black spines. It was very dedicated to protecting two small white egg sacs, which eventually became a small swarm of gnats. The caterpillar died, but protected the eggs with his life. Ever heard of such a thing? Found all this going on under a milkweed leaf in rural eastern Iowa. Also trying to identify a small caterpillar of about 1 cm, nearly round, yellow with black spines. Haven't found ident anywhere.

Canadian in the US		28-May-2007 14:50
Thanks for such a great collection. Helped me ID the Leopard moth caterpillar that showed up in our garage - not sure how, but it's doing the play dead act. We might keep it (contained with no offspring). It is so big I am afraid that if we let it loose it will eat everything in sight... South Carolina

jessica		04-May-2007 21:11
don't you have any yellow, black AND furry caterpillars with three white lines? everything besides that is outrageous!

Bev Wigney		19-Apr-2007 20:19
It could be a Black Swallowtail caterpillar as there's a lot of variation in their color and size. Some are mostly dark gray with some yellow bands. They aren't usually quite that large, but some do look quite big. The best thing to do is just leave it where it is as it will probably pupate soon and turn into a butterfly (or moth if it's something else).

Suzanne		19-Apr-2007 15:54
Dog just saw a large caterpillar outside on the wood fence. It was 5-6 inches long, at least 1/2 inch wide. Rather a grey solid color with solid yellow bands going across entire back (maybe underside too)Bands were narrow and looked somewhat like your "pearly wood-nymph" except yellow. No other color on it. Didn't know what to do other than carry dog inside. Any ideas?

Bev Wigney		03-Oct-2006 14:55
Hi Dean, Sorry to not reply sooner, but I'm on the road at the moment and only checking my messages a couple of times a week. I wonder if your caterpillar could be a Spicebush Swallowtail. Try looking that one up on the net. That species is dark brown or black and has long spines. Very unusual looking. I think there's an autumn hatch of these in your region. We don't get them up where I am (eastern Ontario) as we're too far north and don't have the right food plants. Good luck identifying your caterpillars! -bev

dean		30-Sep-2006 21:59
i saw what i think is a very unique caterpillar the other night. all black, w/sharp spindles along entire body. it was quite large about 5"(inches) and about 1/2 inch wide. i've never seen one like it before. i live in medford Long island. do you know what type it may be? thanks dean

sita8202		16-Sep-2006 15:57
Great selection of photos. I, too, have been trying to identify a yellow caterpillar. http://www.flickr.com/photos/34739552@N00/ This one, approx. 2 inches long, is about twice as long as most of the ones I've seen, and has one extra pair of black tufts on the middle of its back. At first I though it was a spotted apatelodes, but after closer examination I think it must be something else. We have a large maple tree that seems to be what draws them. Every morning we find several around the yard, under the canopy of the tree, and we were wondering if we should take some action to remove them. Any help in identifying this would be greatly appreciated.

Bev Wigney		01-Sep-2006 10:15
Regarding the yellow and black caterpillars that a few of you have seen. Has anyone taken a photo of it. Why not post the photo on some place like Flickr and then post the link here. It's difficult to ID a caterpillar just from a description, especially when it may just be common in a certain region.

Guest		30-Aug-2006 13:23
I have those yellow caterpillars with black pointers all over my house. wondering if they were poisonous or not? Any help!!

MC Towers		29-Aug-2006 21:27
I was hoping to find the caterpillar I found here, but no such luck Does anyone know of a yellow fuzzy caterpillar with two pairs of black pointers near its head and one near its bottom? Elementary teacher looking for science question.......

Bev Wigney		04-Jan-2006 12:55
Thanks, Jean -- I believe you're right about that. There's a photo of an Elm Sawfly (Cimbex americana) larva on page 12 of David L. Wagner's "Caterpillar of Eastern North America" which looks identical. - bev

jean in OR		04-Jan-2006 04:08
Your 3 photos of the "yellow caterpillar" are more likely a swfly larva.

Ashley Hockenberry		21-Nov-2005 21:29
Awesome!!!!

455 rocket		05-Oct-2005 13:23
Very nice collection!

Bev Wigney		29-Nov-2004 12:55
lol.. I'm not entirely sure if that was meant to be a compliment, but I'll take it as such! (-:

Hina Shimomura		29-Nov-2004 06:15
omg, they are really amazing pics... i just cant get over myself!!!, i cant stand these long curly stuff >_< i feel kind of "uneasy" when i see them ... eeek~

marcia		13-Nov-2004 03:31
love your picture gallery, my mom and i live in florida and saw a hyalophor cecropia caterpillar on veterans day, first time i have ever seen one, he was beautiful . we let him go across the street from her house unharmed!

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