Tale of Tails
Posted by Suzanne Chenvert on July 13, 2006
Q: We found a caterpillar with fuzzy egg shaped things on it's back, long thin black points sticking out, and an antennae on its bottom.
What caterpillar is this?
Habitat: forest/open woods
State: Virginia
Habitat: forest/open woods
A: Thanks so much for the photo - that did it for me! Your animal is a White-marked Tussock Moth. Although the adults are not at all colorful nor very "interesting" looking, the larvae (caterpillars) certainly are. These caterpillars are reasonably common on trees and if in large enough numbers can do some damage. Although you might have thought at first that there are some parasitic wasp eggs on its back, this is normal for your animal. Hope this helps. If you want some pictures of this animal, you can google it or you may even want to order a field guide to insects from the Peterson Institute and learn more about insects in your area.
Thanks for asking and sharing.
John Wiessinger ( July 14, 2006)