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Tussock Moth Caterpillar

Genus Orgyia

Photo by DianneFrost
Published on Project Noah
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35.2881, -83.6667

Field Notes

Notes:

I took this while camping along the Nantahala River in NC. I have not been able to identify it.

Species ID Suggestions

Comments (11)

Genus Orgyia, which covers the Tussock Moth's definitely fits this caterpillar. Looking at some of the moth's in this genus, the Rusty Tussock Moth looks to be the one that most closely resembles this one. Thanks everyone.
Orgyia genus moth's caterpillar.
Yes.. in second picture its head is upside.
I took a very close photo of him, but there was only one caterpillar, that I saw or took photos of. Guessing, I would say he was about 1.4" long.
I uploaded the first photo I took of him. He was on my tent and I moved him to a tree and took the second shot there. Unfortunately, I did not get any side photos.
Those thick hairy hump on its back are very identical for Tussock moth. Head is down side in this picture.
Any of them the out of focus ones from the side? They may help even if the are out of focus
The only other photo I took was too out of focus. Thanks for the IDs
Yes Amber its like a Tussock moth caterpillar.
I think it's some kind of tussock moth - did you get any other photos?
Photographed
PublishedAugust 27, 2011

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