Can you tell me if this caterpillar is a type of tussock moth? I’ve
looked at several caterpillars and can’t decide what it is exactly.
Ran across it in the woods near where we live that is primarly pine and
oak in Virginia. Saw one dangling and another was beginning to roll
itself up into a leaf. Hope you can help. This is a great website.
Marge Leitner
Hi Marge,
The Pale Tussock Moth or Banded Tussock Moth, Halysidota tessellaris, according to the Caterpillars of the Eastern Forest website, is: “Gray, dirty tan to yellow-brown with long paired white and black lashes on second and third thoracic segments. Food: oaks, willows, poplars, hickories, and many other forest and shade trees. Caterpillar: July to October”