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Project Noah Nature School
Halysidota harrisii
This Sycamore Tussock Moth appeared to have a parasitic infection of some sort. Perhaps, parasitic wasps? This is the first time I have ever seen anything like this. The poor caterpillar was moving quickly in a very haphazard, erratic fashion. Totally bizarre.
pixygiggles, here is an interesting spotting that will show you what is happening to that caterpillar: http://www.projectnoah.org/spottings/693... and http://www.projectnoah.org/spottings/721...
Yes, most probably an Arctiinae caterpillar infected by parasitic wasp. The larvae are feeding first non-vital parts of the caterpillar until there is no more chance for the caterpillar to survive.
Spotted on Nov 5, 2013
Submitted on Nov 6, 2013
