Subject: Caterpillar crawling on playground
Location: Viroqua, WI 54765
September 10, 2015 7:05 am
On Sept. 8, 2015 I encountered this fuzzy caterpillar crawling on the children’s playground equipment. Location was the City Park, Viroqua WI 54665. The pic was taken at approx. 5:30 pm. Please help me identify it. Also, can it sting children who may find it while playing?
Signature: Angela Karwoski
Our Automated Response
Thank you for submitting your identification request.
Please understand that we have a very small staff that does this as a labor of love. We cannot answer all submissions (not by a long shot). But we’ll do the best we can.
Thank you! I appreciate your efforts regardless if you are able to identify my submission. I have referred to your site several times to find out various information.
I submitted this time due to my concern for the kids who play on that playground equipment so frequently.
I think it’s time I make a donation thinking back to how many times I have found it a very valuable resource. Thanks for sharing your knowledge, it’s very much appreciated.
Dear Angela,
Thanks so much for your kind words. We are nearly certain this is a Banded Tussock Moth Caterpillar, Halysidota tessellaris, based on its resemblance to this image on BugGuide. According to BugGuide: “Larvae feed on alder, ash, birch, elm, hazel, hickory, oak, poplar, tulip tree, walnut, willow.” There is no mention of utricating hairs.