Subject: Caterpillar ID?
Geographic location of the bug: Indianapolis
Date: 07/24/2018
Time: 08:19 PM EDT
Your letter to the bugman: Found this caterpillar and can’t figure out the type! Small, like the width of a thumb. Strange head. Thanks for the help! Found on a recently fallen oak tree, still with live leaves.
How you want your letter signed: Ryan
Dear Ryan,
This is an Emperor Caterpillar in the genus Asterocampa and here is a BugGuide image for reference. We don’t believe they feed on oak. Is there a hackberry shrub near where the oak fell?