variable oakleaf caterpillar moth

Description:

Variable oakleaf caterpillar moth in larval stage - Green body, brown spots on the superior part of the caterpillar. The sides seem lighter but it is the same shade of green with tiny white dots for which at a distance seems like a lighter shade of green. There are five yellow with black lines that run along its body: in the center of the superior part, on the union of the sides and the top and between the sides and the legs. The head is round and its eyes are hidden on a line that runs from the mandibles up the back of the head, around and down to the other mandible. The whole body is covered in little widespread black dots and very few hairs. Its anal prolegs are dark brown.

Habitat:

Was found in West Virginia State University, Institute, WV. It is found in eastern North America.

Notes:

Supposedly, they can spray formic acid as a defense mechanism.