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Spilosoma virginica
long-haired, orange caterpillar
eating a broad-leaved weed I haven't identified
temperate rainforest; was found in the greenhouse
Both of those identifications look good, but I'm not sure about the very long white hairs and the more brown face. Either moth looks to be similar (white with black spots). I suppose the only way to be sure would be to raise it, and it's long gone now. I'm leaning toward the Yellow Bear (Virginia tiger moth) because I think I've seen that adult around here.
@ Ashish: my first thought was as yours; we have quite a few "wooly bear" caterpillars in our area. @ Ronald & Amissa: But looking at the Estigmine I think that may be the answer; there's one photo that matches quite well. What a variable species, though! We do live just a couple of miles from a salt marsh, so a salt marsh moth is reasonable.
Your caterpillar may not be identical to the ones in the link but if you google it you will find very similar caterpillars.
Spotted on Sep 4, 2011
Submitted on Sep 4, 2011
