What are these tiny black caterpillars? - Ask Extension
We've recently discovered several tiny black caterpillars around our house, on the vinyl siding and wooden porches. We are in a country setting, but...
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What are these tiny black caterpillars? #750335
Asked May 17, 2021, 9:14 AM EDT
We've recently discovered several tiny black caterpillars around our house, on the vinyl siding and wooden porches. We are in a country setting, but not a largely wooded area (we have one pine tree in our yard, far from the house). We did find a moth in the yard, which may or may not be related. What could these be and should we be concerned?
Tioga County New York
Expert Response
Hello!
This is an adult virgin tiger moth and immature caterpillars. The Ohio Department of Natural Resources has an excellent filed guide on moth identification and characteristics, and includes the virgin tiger moth. You can find that here: https://ohiodnr.gov/static/documents/wildlife/backyard-wildlife/Moths%20of%20Ohio%20Field%20Guide%20pub5467.pdf
