Skip to main content
Today is Shark Awareness Day!
Close

Hickory Horned Devil caterpillar

Citheronia regalis

Photo by RedTopRanger
Published on Project Noah
Zoom
NominateNominate for Wildlife Photograph of the Month
reportFlag Spotting

34.1476, -84.7074

Field Notes

Description:

The largest North American caterpillar. The one pictured here was easily 6 inches long and thicker around than my thumb. This brightly colored, Chinese dragon-esque caterpillar looks quite menacing but is in fact harmless.

Habitat:

Found this one on a Sweetgum sapling, where it had presumably climbed to begin pupation.

Reference Links:

Butterflies and Moths of North America | collecting and sharing data about Lepi…

Species ID Suggestions

Comments (5)
RedTopRanger
Thanks, guys! I couldn't believe it when I found him (which of course was by accident). I learned after the fact that they're harmless...I wasn't risking handling him the way he looks.
RiekoS
I thought it looked like a Chinese dragon. I am glad that they are harmless.

Spotted for Missions

Mission
Wildlife of the South East, USA
Mission
Wildlife of Georgia
Mission
Wildlife at Red Top Mtn.
Mission
Caterpillars of the Southeastern USA

Tags

Photographed
PublishedSeptember 24, 2013

Community Sponsor

Butterfly
Become a Community Sponsor and Help Grow our Global Movement!

Accelerate our Mission to Photograph 
Every Species in the World!

Butterflies icon
Become a Community Sponsor

Wildlife Community

Wildlife Community

Join a worldwide community passionate about wildlife and nature!

Join Project Noah

Nature School

Nature School

Transform your green space into a curiosity-creating nature classroom!

Visit Nature School

Wildlife Game

Wildlife Game

Defend wildlife throughout the jungle in thrilling nature game!

Play Baboon

Nature & Conservation Organizations

Brands & Mission-Focused Companies