Lophocampa Maculata caterpillar
Hiya! I used your site to identify the caterpillars which are currently roaming over my area (heavily wooded area outside La Conner, in western Washington). Thought you might like a copy of my best pic. Cute little guys! I’m also trying to identify the spiders which are at the height of their seasonal activity. I think it might be a kind of wolf spider (I’m quite familiar with those, we have them everywhere…) since they are similar in size, general shape, “boxing gloves,” and behavior (no webs, running around, hiding under stuff). However, while wolf spiders are gray and kind of furry-looking, these have brown/black bodies, reddish-orange legs, and a smooth/shiny appearance. I haven’t been able to get a good pic of one yet, but I’ll send it along as soon as I have a good photo opportunity. Thanks for all your hard work, your site is the best!
Erika
Hi Erika,
Thanks for sending us your photo of a Spotted Tussock Moth Caterpillar. The spiders you describe sound like Wolf Spiders.