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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.

Reference Links:

Genus Orgyia - BugGuide.Net

Species ID Suggestions

Comments (11)
DianneFrost
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.
Ashish
Orgyia genus moth's caterpillar.
Ashish
Yes.. in second picture its head is upside.
DianneFrost
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.
DianneFrost
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.
Ashish
Those thick hairy hump on its back are very identical for Tussock moth. Head is down side in this picture.
AmberLundeen
Any of them the out of focus ones from the side? They may help even if the are out of focus
DianneFrost
The only other photo I took was too out of focus. Thanks for the IDs
Ashish
Yes Amber its like a Tussock moth caterpillar.
AmberLundeen
I think it's some kind of tussock moth - did you get any other photos?

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Photographed
PublishedAugust 27, 2011

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