What are these!?
Location: Branson, MO
October 24, 2011 2:09 am
Hey, was on a hike with the fam in Branson, MO and I found these caterpillar worm looking things all over this leaf. Here’s a couple photos for ya. Hopefully you can identify them for me.
Signature: Carson
Hi Carson,
These sure look to us like Buckmoth Caterpillars, possibly Hemileuca maia based on this BugGuidephoto. Your email did not indicate if this is a recent sighting. We suspect it was earlier in the season. Please clarify. Was the tree an oak?
I was stung by one of these earlier today, and it was EXTREMELY painful. STAY AWAY from them.
Thank you for your comment. Though we have other Buck Moth Caterpillar postings on our site that warn folks about the stinging spines, this particular posting did not provide that cautionary warning.