identify a caterpillar - Ask Extension
I've seen several of these in my yard in front of a big blue spruce tree. Next door is a big maple tree. I can't find this one in ID charts. Can you ...
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identify a caterpillar #762571
Asked July 19, 2021, 1:32 PM EDT
I've seen several of these in my yard in front of a big blue spruce tree. Next door is a big maple tree. I can't find this one in ID charts. Can you ID it for me, and tell me if it's the stinging kind? What does it eat? Should it be destroyed or left alone? What butterfly does it become?
El Paso County Colorado
Expert Response
Hello,
This is a Douglas fir Tussock moth. We are seeing a mini-outbreak of them in the Springs. They can defoliate the tops of spruce trees. You may want to contact an arborist to come out and spray your tree.
Here is more information:
https://extension.colostate.edu/topic-areas/insects/5-542-douglas-fir-tussock-moths/
I have attached a list of arborists in the area.
