Milkweed Tussock Moth caterpillar

Sporting tufts of black, white and orange (sometimes yellow) setae, larvae skeletonize whole leaves gregariously, leaving a lacy remnant. The head capsule is black. The later instars wander much more, and may appear alone or in small clusters. Mature caterpillars are found from June onwards. Grows to a length of 35 mm.
Like the larvae of the monarch, caterpillars of the milkweed tiger moth obtain cardiac glycosides from milkweeds and retain them as adults.