This colorful caterpillar grows to about 1 3/4 inches (40 mm) long. It is yellow and red striped with a black head and black spicules. As seen in the photograph they are gregarious feeders.
This caterpillar was photographed at Neale Woods in July 2013. It’s probably common in this area although it has only been photographed twice in Fontenelle Forest and Neale Woods. It ranges throughout eastern North America.
The larvae feed on the leaves of Sumac and Smoketree. The species overwinters in the larval stage. It pupates in the spring in the soil.
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