Subject: caterpillar with a mohawk
Geographic location of the bug: TONASKET WA
Date: 07/24/2018
Time: 10:26 AM EDT
Your letter to the bugman: We were curious as to who this is. Having grown up in TX, my husband knew all about urticating hairs; hence the stick! Better safe than sorry. It was near fir, pine, sarviceberry, chokecherry, wild roses and currant for the bigger forage plants we have. Other than that, it’s a real dry climate. Thanks.
How you want your letter signed: Cathy
Dear Cathy,
Your subject line caught our attention because of the mohawk description. Based on its color and markings and your location, we believe this is a Western Tussock Moth Caterpillar as pictured on BugGuide, but we would not rule out a similar looking relative in the same genus. Handle Tussock Moth Caterpillars with caution. The hairs might cause a skin reaction in sensitive individuals.