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White-marked Tussock Moth Caterpillar

Orgyia leucostigma

Description:

Brightly colored caterpillar sparsely covered in long hairs. Head red-orange. Black stripe on back bordered by two yellow stripes. Four tufts of white hair towards front. Red-orange dots on back of sixth and seventh body segments.

Habitat:

Found on a shed door in backyard. According to Bug Guide, these caterpillars are "very common and widespread in wooded areas of the Eastern US," where they "feed on a wide range of hardwood trees and conifers."

Notes:

According to Bug Guide, the hair of these caterpillars can cause allergic reactions in people who come in contact with them. I didn't know that at the time, so I'm glad I was cautious.

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2 Comments

Sckel
Sckel 10 years ago

You're right, always be cautious.

Maria dB
Maria dB 10 years ago

Nice spotting; interesting how different all the caterpillars look.

Mandy Hollman
Spotted by
Mandy Hollman

Blacksburg, Virginia, USA

Spotted on Jun 27, 2013
Submitted on Jul 2, 2013

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