Milkweed Tussock Moth Caterpillar

Description:

Hairy, some of the hairs being arranged in tufts. Dorsal row of erect "shaving brush" tufts, which are quite distinctive. The larvae of a few species of Tussock Moths have barbed hairs connected with poison glands, and one must handle them with care to avoid a violent rash. The eggs are covered in large masses, covered with matted hairs from the body of the female. Note they have completely demolished the Milkweed leaves from the bottom up.

Notes:

Family Lymantriidae (related to the infamous gypsy moth)