The larvae feed in groups on leaves for several weeks on host trees including hickory, walnuts or American hornbeam. The adult female moth lays her eggs in May or June on a variety of trees, such as walnut, ash, elm and oak, besides the hickory from which they get their name. There is one generation a year in Michigan. These are called “pencils” and are found with one on each “corner” of the body, sort of like a black spot at each corner of a rectangle. There are also four small areas on the body where there is a very thin cluster of black hairs that are longer than the rest of the fuzz. Sometimes, the black line looks more like individual tufts than a line. The furry larva has a line of black down its back (Photo 1). This white caterpillar is the juvenile stage of the hickory tussock moth ( Lophocampa c aryae). This article will describe a few common hairy caterpillars that are found in the fall and discuss what to do if you see one. To properly identify these caterpillars requires a prepared specimen with a microscope. Unfortunately, those hairs are often missing because they break off naturally as part of the caterpillar’s defense mechanism. Some sources might tell you to use the location and number of the longer tufts of white or black hairs to identify these caterpillars. Most of these caterpillars come in a range of colors from bright yellow to bright white even within the same species. Identifying fuzzy caterpillars in the fall is challenging, even for trained entomologists. For any unknown insect, it is always best to avoid making contact unless you are familiar with the species and potential risks for stings or irritation. Some have stories told about them that are best termed fanciful or imaginative. Most commonly are “What is this?” and “Can I touch it?” From a distance, these caterpillars appear inviting with variable coloration and tufts of hair protruding from their exoskeleton. Hairy or fuzzy caterpillars are a curious sight that elicit questions to Michigan State University Extension educators.
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