What caterpillar is this? - Ask Extension
Found in house. Two inches long. Could have come in with boots, groceries or recently unpacked storage unit household & furniture. Ugh!
Knowledgebase
What caterpillar is this? #891340
Asked January 07, 2025, 10:31 AM EST
Found in house. Two inches long. Could have come in with boots, groceries or recently unpacked storage unit household & furniture. Ugh!
Muskegon County Michigan
Expert Response
I'm not certain of who this caterpillar is from the picture alone. I can say it is not a species that would normally be found indoors.
Once you throw it away, it is unlikely you'll find more of them since this one was probably brought in from elsewhere as you mentioned. Should you find more of them, please reply and note where in the house you located them.
Once you throw it away, it is unlikely you'll find more of them since this one was probably brought in from elsewhere as you mentioned. Should you find more of them, please reply and note where in the house you located them.
Do you know what it is? Will it hurt my garden, trees, etc? Thank you
Have a blessed New Year!
Mary
Mary
On Jan 7, 2025, at 10:49 AM, Ask Extension wrote:
Nearly all caterpillars feed on leaves or plants. Finding a few caterpillars on plants does not always mean that the plant will decline to the point of death.
From just this photo, I can't determine what species the caterpillar is or its host plant. It's possible it was accidentally transported in a shipment of food or someone brought firewood or another item from outdoors that this caterpillar had been attached to. Caterpillars are normally dormant in the wintertime and won't feed until April.
From just this photo, I can't determine what species the caterpillar is or its host plant. It's possible it was accidentally transported in a shipment of food or someone brought firewood or another item from outdoors that this caterpillar had been attached to. Caterpillars are normally dormant in the wintertime and won't feed until April.
