Moth Caterpillars

by Jeffrey S. Pippen | Back to Jeff's Butterfly Page | Back to Jeff's Misc. Invertebrates Page | Back to Jeff's Nature Pages

Thanks to many folks who have helped me ID some of the creatures on this page, including Anurag Agrawal, John & Jane Balaban, Cheri Cameron, Pat Coin, Steve Hall, Sean Hitch, Josh Rose, and Steve & Dean.

Slug Caterpillars (Limacodidae)

	CAUTION: STINGING HAIRS!! Saddleback Caterpillar (Acharia stimulea, Sibine stimulea) I found this caterpillar after feeling a painful sting on my hand while walking through a forest understory. It was using Sweetgum (Liqidambar styraciflua) as a host plant. Orange Co., NC 9/7/2005
	CAUTION: STINGING HAIRS!! Saddleback Caterpillar (Acharia stimulea, Sibine stimulea) Durham Co., NC 3 Sep 2008 On Red Hickory (Carya ovalis).
	CAUTION: STINGING HAIRS!! Saddleback Caterpillar (Acharia stimulea, Sibine stimulea) Durham Co., NC 3 Sep 2008 On Red Hickory (Carya ovalis).
	CAUTION: STINGING HAIRS!! Saddleback Caterpillar (Acharia stimulea, Sibine stimulea) Durham Co., NC 3 Sep 2008 On Red Hickory (Carya ovalis).
	CAUTION: STINGING HAIRS!! Stinging Rose Caterpillar (Parasa indetermina) Richmond Co., NC 11 Sep 2021
	CAUTION: STINGING HAIRS!! Stinging Rose Caterpillar (Parasa indetermina) Richmond Co., NC 11 Sep 2021
	CAUTION: STINGING HAIRS!! Stinging Rose Caterpillar (Parasa indetermina) Richmond Co., NC 11 Sep 2021
	CAUTION: STINGING HAIRS!! Stinging Rose Caterpillar (Parasa indetermina) Richmond Co., NC 11 Sep 2021

	Skiff Moth (Prolimacodes badia) Using Winged Elm (Ulmus alata) as host plant Orange Co., NC 9/23/2004
	same individual Note the head is totally buried under and protected by the thorax

CAUTION: STINGING HAIRS!!

Purple-crested Slug Moth (Adoneta spinuloides)
Riparian forest in Orange Co., NC
11 Oct 2013

Feeding on Black Oak (Quercus velutina).

CAUTION: STINGING HAIRS!!

Purple-crested Slug Moth (Adoneta spinuloides)
Riparian forest in Orange Co., NC
11 Oct 2013

Feeding on Black Oak (Quercus velutina).

	CAUTION: STINGING HAIRS!! Two-tailed Slug Moth (Adoneta bicaudata) Riparian forest in Orange Co., NC 29 Sep 2008 Found on Sugarberry (Celtis laevigata).
	CAUTION: STINGING HAIRS!! Two-tailed Slug Moth (Adoneta bicaudata) Riparian forest in Orange Co., NC 29 Sep 2008 Spines are reported to carry mild venom.
	CAUTION: STINGING HAIRS!! Two-tailed Slug Moth (Adoneta bicaudata) Riparian forest in Orange Co., NC 29 Sep 2008
	CAUTION: STINGING HAIRS!! Two-tailed Slug Moth (Adoneta bicaudata) Riparian forest in Orange Co., NC 11 Oct 2013 Feeding on Northern Red Oak (Quercus rubra).
	CAUTION: STINGING HAIRS!! Two-tailed Slug Moth (Adoneta bicaudata) Riparian forest in Orange Co., NC 11 Oct 2013
	CAUTION: STINGING HAIRS!! Two-tailed Slug Moth (Adoneta bicaudata) Riparian forest in Orange Co., NC 11 Oct 2013 Different individual from above. Feeding on Southern Red Oak (Quercus falcata).

Puss Caterpillars (Megalopygidae)

CAUTION: STINGING HAIRS!!

Crinkled Flannel Moth, Black-waved Flannel Moth (Lagoa crispata = Megalopyge crispata)
Craven Co., NC
27 Aug 2006

Early instars are pure white, while later instars become more orange-gray (see below)

For more photos and information, click here to go to the dedicated species page for Flannel Moths

Flannel Moth Caterpillar (Megalopyge sp.)

CAUTION: STINGING HAIRS!!

Crinkled Flannel Moth, Black-waved Flannel Moth Caterpillar, probably (Lagoa crispata = Megalopyge crispata)

Craven Co., NC 8/28/2005

Note that the hairs you see are not the ones that sting, but they are covering some nasty stinging spines underneath!

CAUTION: STINGING HAIRS!!

Crinkled Flannel Moth, Black-waved Flannel Moth Caterpillar (Lagoa crispata = Megalopyge crispata)

Craven Co., NC 8/28/2005

Tussock Moth Caterpillars (in part) (Lymantriidae)

	Variable Tussock Moth (Dasychira vagans) Wake Co., NC 25 May 2008
	Variable Tussock Moth (Dasychira vagans) Wake Co., NC 25 May 2008
	White-marked Tussock Moth caterpillar (Orgyia leucostigma) Carteret Co., NC 26 Aug 2012 Common and widespread in woodlands of eastern North America, feeding on a wide variety of woody plant leaves.
	White-marked Tussock Moth caterpillar (Orgyia leucostigma) Carteret Co., NC 26 Aug 2012 May cause allergic skin reaction if handled.

Hornworms = Sphinx Moth Caterpillars (Sphingidae)


	Snowberry Clearwing (Hemaris diffinis) caterpillar Alamance Co., NC 12 Sep 2020 I spotted 6 different individuals of these caterpillars today on a planted honeysuckle cultivar in the yard.
	White-lined Sphinx (Hyles lineata) Missoula Co., MT 17 July 2013
	Pine Sphinx (Lapara coniferarum) Loblolly pine forest in Orange Co., NC 14 July 2009
	Pine Sphinx (Lapara coniferarum) Loblolly pine forest in Orange Co., NC 14 July 2009
	Pawpaw Sphinx (Dolbe hyloeus) Pine forest in Orange Co., NC 4 Sep 2009 Fairly common in the eastern US, this individual was feeding on Possumhaw (Ilex decidua).
	Pawpaw Sphinx (Dolbe hyloeus) Bottomland forest in Durham Co., NC 12 Sep 2012
	Pawpaw Sphinx (Dolbe hyloeus) Bottomland forest in Durham Co., NC 12 Sep 2012
	Pawpaw Sphinx (Dolbe hyloeus) Pine forest in Orange Co., NC 4 Sep 2009 These are fairly large and thick caterpillars.
	Pawpaw Sphinx (Dolbe hyloeus) Bottomland forest in Durham Co., NC 12 Sep 2012
	Banded Sphinx Caterpillar (Eumorpha fasciata) Richmond Co., NC 7 Oct 2007 Fifth instar feeding on Anglestem Primrose-Willow (Ludwigia leptocarpa).
	Banded Sphinx Caterpillar (Eumorpha fasciata) Richmond Co., NC 7 Oct 2007
	Banded Sphinx Caterpillar (Eumorpha fasciata) Richmond Co., NC 7 Oct 2007 Probably a second instar (much younger) individual.

Tersa Sphinx Caterpillar (Xylophanes tersa)

Hoke Co., NC 9/12/2004

Click to see the Tersa Sphinx Moth this caterpillars becomes>

	Tersa Sphinx Caterpillar (Xylophanes tersa) Durham Co., NC 9/16/2005
	same individual

How's this for a face?

	Tobacco Hornworm (Manduca sexta) 9/16/2005 Despite the common name, this hornworm is often found eating tomato plants (as well as horse-nettles, nightshades, and other members of the tomato/potato family (Solanaceae).
	Tobacco Hornworm (Manduca sexta) parasitized by braconid wasps 9/16/2005

Tiger Moth Caterpillars & kin (Arctiidae)

	Spotted Tussock Moth (Lophocampa maculata) Mt. Mitchell State Park, Yancy Co., NC 13 Sep 2008 Found coast to coast in Canada & the northern tier of US states, there is a disjunct population that also occurs in the high mountains of North Carolina, presumed left over from glacial times!
	Spotted Tussock Moth (Lophocampa maculata) Mt. Mitchell State Park, Yancy Co., NC 13 Sep 2008 This caterpillar feeds on various woody shrubs.
	Spotted Tussock Moth (Lophocampa maculata) Mt. Mitchell State Park, Yancy Co., NC 13 Sep 2008

	Banded Tussock Moth (Halysidota tessellaris) Sandy Creek Park, Durham Co., NC 11 Oct 2013 Feeding on Quercus.
	Banded Tussock Moth (Halysidota tessellaris) Sandy Creek Park, Durham Co., NC 11 Oct 2013 Feeding on Quercus.
	Woolly Bear (Pyrrharctia isabella) Found resting on Dog Fennel (Eupatorium capillifolium), Sandy Creek Park, Durham Co., NC 11 Oct 2013
	Probably a Virgin Tiger Moth (Grammia virgo or G. parthenice) or perhaps a Giant Leopard Moth (Hypercompe scribonia) York Co., VA 27 Aug 2013 This individual is feeding on Elaeagnus.

	Probably a Virgin Tiger Moth (Grammia virgo or G. parthenice) or perhaps a Giant Leopard Moth (Hypercompe scribonia) Clay Co., NC 13 May 2006
	Yellow Bear Caterpillar, Virginian Tiger Moth (Spilosoma virginica) Granville Co., NC 10 Sep 2006 Common and widespread in NC on shrubs & various wildflower, the Yellow Bear is highly variable from creamy yellow to burnt orange. This is a young individual.
	Yellow Bear Caterpillar, Virginian Tiger Moth (Spilosoma virginica) Granville Co., NC 10 Sep 2006
	Yellow Bear Caterpillar, Virginian Tiger Moth (Spilosoma virginica) Granville Co., NC 10 Sep 2006 This Yellow Bear is much older than the one above.

	Probably Salt Marsh Caterpillar (Estigmene acrea), #6371 Chatham Co., NC 9/24/2005
	Probably Salt Marsh Caterpillar (Estigmene acrea), #6371 Chatham Co., NC 9/24/2005

	Ranchman's Tiger Moth (Platyprepia virginalis) Missoula Co., MT 6 May 2014
	Ranchman's Tiger Moth (Platyprepia virginalis) Missoula Co., MT 6 May 2014

	#5779, Perhaps a Yellow-collared Scape Moth (Cisseps fulvicollis) or a Salt Marsh Caterpillar (Estigmene acrea)? New Hanover Co., NC 8/27/2005
	Perhaps a different Yellow-collared Scape Moth #5300 Reserva Faunuique Mastigouche, Quebec, Canada 5 Aug 2005
	Perhaps a different Yellow-collared Scape Moth #5475 Mer Bleue Bog, Ottawa, Canada 7 Aug 2005
	Polka-dot Wasp Moth, Oleander Caterpillar (Syntomeida epilais) caterpillar Collier Co., FL 4 Nov 2018

Tent Caterpillars (Lasiocampidae)

	Western Tent Caterpillar (Malacosoma californicum) Missoula Co., MT 5/25/2016
	Western Tent Caterpillar (Malacosoma californicum) Missoula Co., MT 5/25/2016

Eastern Tent Caterpillar (Malacosoma americanum)
Orange Co., NC
5/2/2006

Prominents (Notodontidae)

	White-streaked Prominent, Lace-capped Caterpillar (Oligocentria lignicolor) On Water Oak (Quercus nigra) in Duke Forest, Orange Co., NC 26 Sep 2012 Common in the eastern U.S.
	Contracted Datana (Datana contracta) Orange Co., NC 8 Sep 2008 On Black Oak (Quercus velutina).
	Angus's Datana (Datana angusii) Orange Co., NC 11 Oct 2011 On Mockernut Hickory (Carya tomentosa).
	Angus's Datana (Datana angusii) Orange Co., NC 11 Oct 2011 On Mockernut Hickory (Carya tomentosa).
	Angus's Datana (Datana angusii) Orange Co., NC 11 Oct 2011 On Mockernut Hickory (Carya tomentosa).
	Yellow-necked Caterpillar (Datana ministra) Orange Co., NC 14 Sep 2019 Probably 5th instar, on a chestnut tree, like one of the introduced Asian chestnuts (Castanea sp.).
	Yellow-necked Caterpillar (Datana ministra) Orange Co., NC 14 Sep 2019 Possibly 3rd or 4th instar, on a chestnut tree, like one of the introduced Asian chestnuts (Castanea sp.).
	Spotted Datana (Datana perspicua) Durham Co., NC 6 Sep 2008 On Southern Red Oak (Quercus falcata).
	Spotted Datana (Datana perspicua) Durham Co., NC 6 Sep 2008 On Southern Red Oak (Quercus falcata).
	Spotted Datana (Datana perspicua) Aberdeen Lake Park, Moore Co., NC 4 Aug 2016 On Honeycups (Zenobia pulverulenta)
	Red-humped Oakworm (Symmerista canicosta) Orange Co., NC 11 Oct 2013 On Southern Red Oak (Quercus falcata).

	Double-toothed Prominent (Nerice bidentata) Orange Co., NC 5/2/2006
	Double-toothed Prominent (Nerice bidentata) Orange Co., NC 5/2/2006

	probably Variable Oakleaf Prominent, Variable Oakleaf Caterpillar (Lochmaeus manteo) #5742 Orange Co., NC 2 Oct 2006
	probably Variable Oakleaf Prominent, Variable Oakleaf Caterpillar (Lochmaeus manteo) Orange Co., NC 14 Oct 2006 This is the same species as above but a different individual.

Silkworms and Royal Moth Caterpillars (Saturniidae)

CAUTION: STINGING HAIRS!!

Io Moth (Automeris io) caterpillar
Mixed pine - hardwood forest in Orange Co., NC
21 Sep 2009

Click here for more photo and information on Io Moths.

	CAUTION: STINGING HAIRS!! Buck Moth caterpillar found on Laurel Oak (Quercus laurifolia) New Hanover Co., NC 14 May 2013
	CAUTION: STINGING HAIRS!! Buck Moth caterpillar found on Willow Oak (Quercus phellos) New Hanover Co., NC 14 May 2013

	CAUTION: STINGING HAIRS!! Buck Moth caterpillar found on Willow Oak (Quercus phellos) Harnett Co., NC 29 May 2005
	CAUTION: STINGING HAIRS!! Buck Moth caterpillar found on Willow Oak (Quercus phellos) Harnett Co., NC 29 May 2005

	Hickory Horned Devil (Citheronia regalis) Orange Co., NC 7/21/2004 The HUGE caterpillars form their pupa underground.
	Hickory Horned Devil (Citheronia regalis) Orange Co., NC 7/21/2004 Despite their menacing appearance, Hickory Horned Devils are harmless to humans.

	Imperial Moth caterpillar (Eacles imperialis) Orange Co., NC 9/23/2004
	Imperial Moth caterpillar (Eacles imperialis) Orange Co., NC 9/23/2004

	Orange-striped Oakworm (Anisota senatoria) Mixed woods in Chatham Co., NC 22 Sep 2013 iPhone photo.
	Orange-striped Oakworm (Anisota senatoria) Mixed woods in Orange Co., NC 13 Sep 2020 Feeding on introduced chestnut

Green-striped Mapleworm = Rosy Maple Moth (Dryocampa rubicunda)

Quebec, Canada 8/6/2005

Luna Moth (Actias luna), 2nd instar
Click here to see an adult

	Luna Moth (Actias luna), 3rd instar Click here to see an adult Luna Moth
	Luna Moth (Actias luna) Orange Co., NC 15 Sep 2006 Normally bright green, Luna Moth caterpillars may turn brownish right before pupation
	Luna Moth (Actias luna) Orange Co., NC 15 Sep 2006
	Luna Moth (Actias luna) Orange Co., NC 15 Sep 2006
	Polyphemus Moth (Antheraea polyphemus) Durham Co., NC 12 Sep 2012
	Polyphemus Moth (Antheraea polyphemus) Orange Co., NC 11 Oct 2013
	Tuliptree Moth (Callosamia angulifera) Orange Co., NC 15 Sep 2012
	Tuliptree Moth (Callosamia angulifera) Orange Co., NC 15 Sep 2012

Pantheas and Yellowhorns (Pantheidae)

The Laugher (Charadra deridens)

Ontario, Canada 8/7/2005

Daggers and kin (Noctuidae > Acronictinae)

	Speared Dagger Moth, Cherry Dagger (Acronicta hasta) Durham, NC 29 Aug 2012
	Speared Dagger Moth, Cherry Dagger (Acronicta hasta) Durham, NC 29 Aug 2012

Zales, Underwings (Noctuidae > Catocalinae)

	Curve-lined Owlet (Phypropus callitrichoides) Brunswick Co., NC 4 Oct 2008 On Smilax, one of the coolest caterpillars I've ever seen!

Wormwoods, Sharks, Owlets (Noctuidae > Cuculliinae)

	Brown-hooded Owlet (Cucullia convexipennis) Quebec, Canada 8/6/2005 Fairly common from Canada to the Carolinas, Brown-hooded Owlets feed on flowers in the Asteraceae.
	Brown-hooded Owlet (Cucullia convexipennis) Quebec, Canada 8/6/2005

Flower Moths (Noctuidae > Hadeninae/Xyleninae)

	probably a Striped Garden Caterpillar (Trichordestra legitima) #5781 Orange Co., NC 15 Oct 2006
	possibly a Southern Armyworm (Spodoptera eridania) #1750 Clay Co., NC 13 May 2006 Thanks to Stephanie DePoma for the suggestion!
	possibly a Fall Armyworm (Spodoptera frugiperda) Jordan Lake, Chatham Co., NC 16 Sep 2007 Hundreds of these were seen along the newly exposed mudflats with grassy vegetation along the edge of the lake.
	possibly a Fall Armyworm (Spodoptera frugiperda) Jordan Lake, Chatham Co., NC 16 Sep 2007
	possibly a Yellow Striped Armyworm (Spodoptera ornithogalli), #5044 Durham Co., NC 24 July 2005 Thanks to Steve Nanz for the ID suggestion!

Flower Moths (Noctuidae > Heliothinae)

	Tobacco Budworm (Heliothis virescens) Chatham Co., NC 9/17/2005 On Verbena
	Tobacco Budworm (Heliothis virescens) Chatham Co., NC 9/17/2005
	Tobacco Budworm (Heliothis virescens) Chatham Co., NC 9/17/2005
	Tobacco Budworm (Heliothis virescens) Chatham Co., NC 9/17/2005

Perhaps this is another Flower Moth species?
Buncombe Co., NC
8 July 2006

Hadenines (Noctuidae > Hadeninea)

	Turbulent Phosphila (Phosphila turbulenta) Eno Division Duke Forest, Orange Co., NC 11 Oct 2013 Feeding on Roundleaf Greenbrier (Smilax rotundifolia)
	Turbulent Phosphila (Phosphila turbulenta) Eno Division Duke Forest, Orange Co., NC 11 Oct 2013 Feeding on Roundleaf Greenbrier (Smilax rotundifolia)

Inchworms, Loopers, Spanworms (Geometridae)

	Camouflaged Looper (Synchlora aerata) Durham Co., NC 8/5/2006 One of the few caterpillars that attaches bits of flowers and other plant parts to its body for camouflage!
	Camouflaged Looper (Synchlora aerata) Orange Co., NC 8/2/2005 Another individual. Note its head and true legs are visible in the lower right.
	Camouflaged Looper (Synchlora aerata) Orange Co., NC 8/2/2005 dorsal view

	Camouflaged Looper (Synchlora aerata) St. Clair Co., MI 7 July 2012
	Camouflaged Looper (Synchlora aerata) St. Clair Co., MI 7 July 2012 On Black-eyed Susan (Rudbeckia hirta).

	#2945 One of the twig mimic loopers Pine forest with a few hardwoods in Orange Co., NC 6 Mar 2008
	#2945 One of the twig mimic loopers Pine forest with a few hardwoods in Orange Co., NC 6 Mar 2008

Pyralids (Pyralidae)

	Asimina Webworm Moth (Omphalocera munroei) York Co., VA 28 Aug 2013 Locally common in the eastern US, this species can be a pest on Pawpaw.
	Asimina Webworm Moth (Omphalocera munroei) York Co., VA 28 Aug 2013

Asimina Webworm Moth (Omphalocera munroei)
York Co., VA
28 Aug 2013

They form "nests" at the tips of Pawpaw twigs where they fold leaves with silk.

Unidentified Caterpillars

	unidentified caterpillar #0966, possibly a buck moth, Haploa, or a nymphalid? Orange Co., NC 25 Apr 2006
	unidentified caterpillar #0966, possibly a buck moth, Haploa, or a nymphalid? Orange Co., NC 25 Apr 2006

Is this an Imperial Moth, a Tiger Moth, or something else?? #3761

Orange Co., NC
27 May 2005

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Created on ... October 15, 2005 | jeffpippen9@gmail.com