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Virginia Tiger Moth Caterpillar

Spil osoma virginica

Published on Project Noah
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40.8684, -75.608

Field Notes

Description:

Known as yellow bear. Color variable from yellow to bright orange as shown here. Densely coated with long hairs. Feeds on low growing plants, forest trees and shrubs. Moves quite quickly. Larva grows up to 3 inches. (This was not past 2 inches long)

Habitat:

Meadow with abundant weeds and wild flowers.

Notes:

Long caterpillars hairs are usually not harmful to touch, but other long hair caterpillars BEWARE. Best not to touch unless you are an expert.

Species ID Suggestions

Yellow Bear (Virginia Tiger Moth)

Spilosoma virginica

Comments (2)

Thanks Victoria. I was leaning toward that, but it was so unusually orange, but I believe you are correct. Thanks for the confirmation. :)

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