HELP! What is this caterpillar?

BeetlesPerSqFt 4/18/2016, 9:01 pm

It's definitely the caterpillar of some sort of tussock moth. The closest thing in my guide book is the Rusty Tussock Moth Orgyia antiqua -- but my book is for Eastern North America, and I see you are in CA. The bugguide site has one report of this species in CA, so it's possible.

The hairs on tussock moth caterpillars can cause a mild rash, or a more severe allergic reaction, in susceptible people: Don't pet it or pick it up with bare hands. My book indicates they feed on a variety of tree leaves, including fruit trees. If the caterpillar wasn't in a tree, it probably either fell out accidentally, or it may be on its wanderlust - journeying from its food plant to find a place to pupate and turn into a moth.

countrynaturals 4/18/2016, 9:34 pm

BeetlesPerSqFt wrote:It's definitely the caterpillar of some sort of tussock moth. The closest thing in my guide book is the Rusty Tussock Moth Orgyia antiqua -- but my book is for Eastern North America, and I see you are in CA. The bugguide site has one report of this species in CA, so it's possible.

The hairs on tussock moth caterpillars can cause a mild rash, or a more severe allergic reaction, in susceptible people: Don't pet it or pick it up with bare hands. My book indicates they feed on a variety of tree leaves, including fruit trees. If the caterpillar wasn't in a tree, it probably either fell out accidentally, or it may be on its wanderlust - journeying from its food plant to find a place to pupate and turn into a moth.

Thanks, Beetles. My folks out here said tussock, too. What an unusual little guy. I didn't touch it. Yesterday we had two tent caterpillars in the construction zone. We are working right under an oak tree, so I guess that explains it.

**Scorpio Rising** 4/18/2016, 10:13 pm

I love to play "what is this?" Fill in the blank! Tussock. Mindin his own biz.

countrynaturals 4/18/2016, 10:28 pm

Scorpio Rising wrote: I love to play "what is this?" Fill in the blank! Tussock. Mindin his own biz.

Well, he was showin' off a little. Razz

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HELP! What is this caterpillar?

HELP! What is this caterpillar?

Rusty Tussock Moth

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