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Southern Tussock Moth

Dasychira meridionalis

Photo by ceherzog
Published on Project Noah
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27.1192, -82.4443

Field Notes

Description:

possibly a species of Tussock Moth caterpillar?

Habitat:

school garden

Species ID Suggestions

Southern Tussock Moth

Dasychira meridionalis

Reference Link
bayucca
1

Comments (22)
bayucca
Erebidae, Lymantriinae. Dasychira meridionalis.
ceherzog
I sent this off to an entomologist friend and he couldn't ID it! I'm still hoping that if I leave it as unknown some expert Noah person will figure it out. I do have the name of an entomologist that might be able to help...so I continue to try.
Ashish
Hello..ceherzog... Must update as Tussock moth caterpillar at least... do not let this spotting unknown now..!!
craigwilliams
Most outrageously extravagant coiffure I've seen in a long time! Poodles beware, if your owner sees this you may be in for a makeover! Eagerly awaiting news of your expert consutation, ceherzog.
ceherzog
Harsha, I looked at both of those species and I really don't think it's either. H. harrisii does not occur in Florida and it just does not look like H. tessellaris. I know it's closely related. I might send it to an entomologist friend.
ceherzog
Harsha, I looked at both of those species and I really don't think it's either. H. harrisii does not occur in Florida and it just does not look like H. tessellaris. I know it's closely related. I might send it to an entomologist friend.
Christiane
Looks like a relative of this one...http://www.projectnoah.org/spottings/6615493
Harsha Singh
Caterpillar of tussock moth, Halysidota harrisii or tessellaris.
Ashish
Thick hairy bump on back and hairy antennas and shape is of Tussock moths Orgyia sp.
ceherzog
I can't find any caterpillar in the Lymantriidae that looks just like this one. Do you or anyone know of a good ID key?
Ashish
Yes tussar moth caterpillar of Lymantriidae family
yulia8473
What a fluffy little creature)))and definitely a model
ceherzog
Thanks! Yes, I touched it kinda accidentally. It was on a kids plant she was harvesting. Do the Tussock caterpillars give you nerve damage?
alicelongmartin
Claire, did you touch it. I am wondering if it is the one that can cause nerve damage. Wonderful pictures.
Yasser
wow! awesome photos of an amazing little caterpillar.

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Mission
Butterflies & Moths of the World
Photographed
PublishedMay 31, 2011

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