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Caterpillar #480261

Asked August 22, 2018, 7:23 PM EDT

Could you identify this caterpillar? Don’t recall seeing one like it before

Henry County Ohio

Expert Response

Is it a beautiful caterpillar! From your photo, I believe this is a white-marked tussock moth (Orgyia leuuucostigma). It has a wide range of host plants on which it feeds.

I am glad you are not touching the caterpillar as the hairs can cause allergic reactions.

Here are some additional resources:
http://entnemdept.ufl.edu/creatures/URBAN/MEDICAL/tussock_moths.htm

http://mothphotographersgroup.msstate.edu/species.php?hodges=8314

Thank you for your question.

Denise J.

An Ask Extension Expert Replied August 23, 2018, 10:56 AM EDT