Subject: Caterpillar
Location: Central Pennsylvania
August 21, 2016 4:20 pm
I found this caterpillar on a sidewalk in central PA today, August 21 . I’m not sure what it is, Can you help identify it? I am thinking it’s a moth larvae, but not sure what kind.
Thanks!
Signature: Dana
Heterocampa Catepillar
Dear Dana,
This is a Prominent Moth Caterpillar and we strongly suspect it is in the genus Heterocampa. The genus Heterocampa contains many similar looking species, but this BugGuide image of Heterocampa umbrata looks very close. According to BugGuide: “The larvae feed on oaks (Quercus). Two generations per year in much of range, multiple generations in Florida.”
Thank you! I thought Heterocampa too when I was searching, but wasn’t sure which species. I’m glad to know that oaks are a host. Now I now where to return it to.
Judging by the color, we believe it is pre-pupal, meaning it is not longer needing to eat, and it is searching for a suitable location to pupate.
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I found a pink heterocampa umbrata caterpillar. Are these a tree damaging species that I should eradicate?
THANKS
No! Never!