White-marked Tussock Moth Caterpillar

Description:

A strikingly interesting caterpillar, the meaning of the name is leuco=white and stigma= mark or spot (Greek). Presumably refers to the white spots on the male forewings of the moth. The caterpillars are have a bright red head and broad black stripe along the back flanked by a yellow stripe each side. Two red glands on sixth and seventh abdominal segments, and four tufts of hairs (which may be white, gray or yellowish) on the first four abdominal segments are common to several members of the genus. Do not touch -- Contact with hairs may cause an allergic reaction.

Habitat:

Very common and widespread in wooded areas of the Eastern US. Southern Canada

Notes:

Found eating the herbs in the garden