Spotted Tussock Moth Caterpillar

Description:

"This distinctive looking caterpillar is quite hairy and banded black, yellow and black. It also has long white hair tufts at each end. In eastern North America, the caterpillar has a row of about four black spots in the central yellow area running right down the middle of the back. These spots seem to be missing in the Alberta population, and perhaps in other western populations. There is also a population in California where the yellow is replaced by orange. The adult moth has yellow-brown front wings with lighter yellowish spots, and pale yellow hind wings. Moths from California have the front wings heavily marbled with darker brown markings. Caterpillars grow to about 4 cm long and the adult moths can have a wingspan of up to 4.5 cm. " - Royal Alberta Museum: http://www.royalalbertamuseum.ca/natural...

Habitat:

"This species is found throughout Alberta, and even into the North West Territories. It is found from the maritime provinces west into British Columbia and south into the mountains of North Carolina and west to southern California." - Royal Alberta Museum: http://www.royalalbertamuseum.ca/natural...

Notes:

"This common caterpillar is distinctive enough so that once people see it, they are often curious to know what it is. This species is never abundant enough to be a serious pest. Caution should be used if you plan on handling this caterpillar because it has urticating (irritating) hairs to which some people are allergic. The moth is so drab that it is seldom noticed." - Royal Alberta Museum: http://www.royalalbertamuseum.ca/natural...