This caterpillar has very hairy black, orange and white tufts over its entire body. The orange tufts grow the length of its body and arch from its side over the top (A,C). They grow to about 1 1/2 inches long. This species feeds on milkweed and can defoliate entire plants (C,D). Some of the early instars are shown in images (E and F) respectively. The adults, not yet shown, are a dull gray. The moth overwinters in a coccoon.
These caterpillars are quite common in our two nature centers and can often be seen feeding on milkweed in late summer.
The pupa overwinters in a cocoon that is lined with the caterpillar’s hairs. The adult moths of the Sycamore Tussock and the Banded Tussock are identical and cannot be separated except by dissection or DNA analysis. The adult moth (Sycamore and/or Banded) is common and is seen frequently in mid-to-late summer. We have identified both species of caterpillars at Fontenelle Forest.
Disclaimer: The content of NatureSearch is provided by dedicated volunteer Naturalists of Fontenelle Forest who strive to provide the most accurate information available. Contributors of the images retain their copyrights. The point of contact for this page is: Roland Barth.