As its name suggests, tomato hornworms gorge on tomato plant foliage. After hatching, the young larvae feed on the remaining egg mass and then spin a silk thread that they use to balloon for dispersal (Thurston 2002). According to reports, the poisonous spines contain toxins that produce pain if they sting someone. Imperial Moth Caterpillar (Eacles imperialis). This can cause irritation similar to handling fiberglass. Heppner JB. The furry puss caterpillar, the larval stage of the southern flannel moth, is one of the most poisonous caterpillars in the US. Mayfield Publishing Company. New York, New York. Those infected with nuclear polyhedrosis virus typically die in a characteristic pose - hanging limp by their prolegs. Hossler EW. Medina RF, Barbosa P. 2002. The caterpillar has four sets of black prolegs and three sets of pointed forelegs. cocoons under eaves of building. Giant leopard caterpillars grow up to 2 (5 cm) long. For example, many caterpillars only feed on specific types of shrubs, plants, or trees. 1960, Knight 1922) and clinical dermatology (Hossler 2009 & 2010 ) literature. Here are 15 species of poisonous caterpillars from around the world. Arnaud (1978, pp. This horned caterpillar species has a pointed black projection at its tail end resembling a horn. Orgyia detrita: Coastal Plain from Long Island to Florida and Gulf States west to Texas (Ferguson 1978, Wagner 2005, Orgyia detrita entry at North American Moth Photographers Group web site). Monkey Slug Caterpillar (Phobetron pithecium). Most bugs and spiders native to Florida are not dangerous to people. Additionally, there are small clumps of green or orange spines along its back and body. Intense throbbing pain develops within five minutes of contact with pain extending up the affected arm. 632-633) listed the following tachinid parasitoids of Orgyia leucostigma: Bessa selecta (Meigen), Carcelia amplexa (Coquillet), Carcelia perplexa Sellers, Carcelia yalensis Sellers, Compsilura concinnata (Meigen), Drino inconspicua (Meigen)*, Euphorocera claripennis (Macquart), Euphorocera edwardsii (Williston), Exorista lobelia Coquillet (currently Nilea lobelia [Coquillet]), Exorista mella Walker, Leshenaultia spp., Lespesia aletiae (Riley), Lespesia frenchii (Williston), Patella leucaniae (Coquillet), Phorocera spp., Sisyropa spp., Winthemia datanae (Townsend), and Winthemia quadripustulata (Fabricius). A few species are known to sting, which can cause mild skin irritations, but none contain venom that may be harmful to people. To identify poisonous Florida caterpillars, look for a fuzzy body with stinging spines. Unfortunately, because of their green coloring, tomato hornworms can be difficult to spot under tomato leaves. Spiny Oak-Slug Caterpillar Euclea delphinii. Southern flannel caterpillars grow up to 1 (2.5 cm) long. Polyphemus moth caterpillars have a bright green, plump body with bright red dots in bumps around each segment. Recently molted male fir tussock moth (Orgyia detrita) pupa (lateral view), Orgyia detrita. Photograph by Donald W. Hall, University of Florida. Mature puss caterpillars begin to spin their cocoons by making a thin framework of silk using their hair covering as support. Wagner DL. Every day, Florida poison centers receive calls about bites and stings from insects and spiders. Expand Autoplay. Photograph by Donald W. Hall, University of Florida. 2004. 2009. Just like the Red Lacewings caterpillars, the caterpillars of Zebra Longwing butterflies feed on passion vines which contain toxins. Luna moth caterpillars have a characteristic habit of raising the front part of their body. Cape Lappet Moth Caterpillar. The Asp: A Caterpillar That's Dangerous for Pets. On top of their irritating hairs, many stinging caterpillars also release a toxin on contact with the spines, which can add to the pain and may even be a health concern for some people. The menacing stinging horns at either end of the caterpillar stand at 45. Photograph by Donald W. Hall, University of Florida. Common hosts in other parts of its range include oak, maple, hackberry, birch, and willow (Wagner 2005). The genus name Orgyia (Greek for the length of the outstretched arms [Borror 1960]), is based on this pose. As a result, some immature caterpillars may look completely different from mature caterpillars before entering the pupal stage. 2007). The 14 poisonous caterpillars that we are going to discuss are: Puss Caterpillar Saddleback Caterpillar Pipevine Swallowtail Caterpillar Io Moth Caterpillar Bag Shelter Caterpillar Monarch Caterpillars Hag Moth Caterpillar Hickory Tussock Caterpillar Pine Processionary Caterpillar Cinnabar Moth Caterpillar Stinging Rose Caterpillar Lonomia Obliqua The four major stinging caterpillars occurring in Florida are the Puss Caterpillar, Saddleback Caterpillar, IO Moth Caterpillar and Hag Caterpillar. Giant silkworm moth larvae and flannel moth caterpillars are specifically noted for their ability to cause a painful sting. Photograph by Lyle J. Buss, University of Florida. A buck moth caterpillar is easy to identify by its black color, masses of white tiny spots, and jaggy appearance. The pine sawfly caterpillar is identified by its pale green body and black markings in rows along its sides and back. The cloudless sulphur caterpillar is a light green caterpillar with black raised dots producing small spines. Female fir tussock moth (Orgyia detrita). They eat things that make them poisonous to their predators (such as birds, who can tolerate more poison than other animals). These large green or orange-brown caterpillars grow 3 to 5.5 (7.5 10 cm) long. Saddleback caterpillars are brown on the front and back ends and the middle of the caterpillar is green with a brown oval (the border is usually bordered with white). Atrubin D, Wansbrough L, Cruse K, Stanek D, Blackmore C. 2012. (1960) studied the histopathology of a sensitive person and reported perivascular concentrations of eosinophils and leucocytes beneath the irritated areas. Description A large caterpillar, 1-3/4 to 2-1/4 long when mature. An imperial moth caterpillar can be tricky to identify because it can be orange with spiny hairs, green with orange horns, or brown with yellow dots and clumps of spines. The black swallowtail caterpillar doesnt have any horns, spikes, or spines on its smooth body. Photograph by Donald W. Hall, University of Florida. Allergic reactions may occur and symptoms should be closely monitored. Tussocks of the fir tussock moth (Orgyia detrita). In Florida, you can see these striped caterpillars on fruit trees, cottonwood, walnut, and willow trees. 2005. Dictionary of Word Roots and Combining Forms. Monkey slug caterpillars have stinging hairs that can cause a painful sting if you handle it. Mature female fir tussock moth (Orgyia detrita) pupa. The black caterpillar has recognizable red bands visible in between sharp spines. In addition, the small green caterpillars have yellowish-green bands separating the segments. 8. Each of the body segments features black tubercles that look like small round dots. There is little doubt that Orgyia detrita and Orgyia definita also have many parasitoids. Photograph by Donald W. Hall, University of Florida. American dagger Moth Caterpillar (Acronicta americana). In addition, look for the four horns at the head and a tail at its rear. Adult Indian meal moths are about 8-10 mm in length and have a wingspan of 16-20 mm. Female fir tussock moth (Orgyia detrita) applying secretion to her egg mass. The characteristic trait of the small cabbage loopers is the arching or looping movements they make when crawling on plants. At the Florida Poison Information Center Miami, where every kind of chemical, insect and reptile assault on human flesh has been encountered, 227 caterpillar calls were logged from South. Body main color | Body main pattern | Distinct features | Hair density: Check boxes for all that apply. Cabbage Looper Caterpillar (Trichoplusia ni). 2 Red Widow Spiders Premaphotos / Alamy Stock Photo Orgyia sp. Its common name, "the Asp," is a reflection of the painful intensity of the stingthis is a caterpillar with the painful "bite" of a hornet. Most of the urticating hairs are in the dorsal tussocks of the caterpillars (Knight 1922), but a few are also found on the lateral verrucae and intermingled with the black plume hairs of the hair pencils (Gilmer 1925). These make the zebra longwing poisonous and foul-tasting to predators. 1968. Furthermore, females stay in their protective cases. Figure 24. Detrita and definita females cover their eggs with a secretion and then rub setae from their bodies onto the secretion to form a protective layer over the eggs. Photograph by Donald W. Hall, University of Florida. The antennae of male pupae are longer and broader than those of females and the wings of male pupae are longer than those of female pupae. For current control recommendations, contact your county extension agent. You will also notice a red and white stripe along each side. The following wasp parasitoids of Orgyia definita and Orgyia leucostigma are recorded by Krombein et al. Fox News reports that the larvae of the Southern flannel moth, also commonly known as "asps," have been spotted in Florida, and experts are urging residents to stay far away from the furry white insects which like to hang out on oak and citrus trees. Do venomous caterpillars sting? Photograph by Donald W. Hall, University of Florida. "If you do see one, leaving them alone is the best thing to do," he added. This caterpillar has a characteristic trait of rolling up to defend itself. Figure 1. The Moths of America North of Mexico Including Greenland. Cabbage looper caterpillars grow up to 1.5 (4 cm). Pruritic welts and erythema resulting from rubbing hairs from the dorsal tussocks of the fir tussock moth (Orgyia detrita) onto the authors forearm. Female whitemarked tussock moth (Orgyia leucostigma) on egg mass. To tell the two species apart, look at the markings on its side. Besides the annoying presence of numerous hairy caterpillars, many larvae spin their difficult-to-remove cocoons on outdoor furniture, stored boats, and the walls and soffits of our houses. To identify tent worms, look for blackish-brown worm-like caterpillars with blue, black, and yellow lines running lengthwise on their back with an irregular white pattern on each segment. The spicebush swallowtail caterpillar changes from brown to green and then yellowish-green. Its bright green and yellow colors and black stripes act to ward off predators. Parasitoids: Larvae and pupae are killed by various parasitoids. These caterpillars are covered in soft hairs that seem like fun to touch but fight the urge! A few common hosts include oak, cherry, hackberry, and willow. Getting stung by one is more painful than you can imagine. Two long black tufts of pencil-like hairs protrude from the front. The identifiable features of the black swallowtail are its green body with black, yellow-dotted bands around each of its segments. Predators: Tussock moth larvae have various natural enemies. Redhumped Caterpillar (Schizura concinna). The six horn-like structures are black with red coloring at the base. Other traits of the pipevine swallowtail caterpillar are two rows of bright orange dots along its back. Rash illness outbreaks at daycare facilities associated with the tussock moth caterpillar, April 2004 and April 2005. Caterpillars are the larvae of moths and butterflies. Its body looks like a squashed hairy spider with leg-like protrusions of various sizes along its sides. There are butterflies who also take nectar or, in rare cases, pollen from poisonous plants. Additionally, it is called an asp caterpillar because the painful sting can be as excruciating as a snake bite. Orgyia detrita is univoltine (one generation per year) while the other two species are bivoltine in Florida (Foltz 2006). The forester moth caterpillar is a bright yellow or yellowish-green caterpillar with two rows of black dots on its back. Long-Tailed Skipper Caterpillar (Urbanus proteus). You can find the furry puss caterpillars in most southern states, including Florida. Its best to avoid handling stinging rose moth caterpillars because the venomous spines can cause redness and skin irritation. There are also blue circular patterns on its segments. Symptoms vary in severity to include burning or stinging, itching, redness, and inflammation. The caterpillar with the most painful sting, at least in North America, is a species known to science as Megalopyge opercularis. Princeton, New Jersey. Giant Silkworm Moth Caterpillar (Lonomia obliqua) Found in southern Brazil, Uruguay, Paraguay, and Argentina, the giant silkworm moth caterpillar is one of the top poisonous species of caterpillar. One of the most venomous caterpillars in the U.S., the puss. Saddleback caterpillars feed on a variety of plants including maples, hibiscus, palms, and crapemyrtle. The tiger swallowtail is an unusual caterpillar due to its dark green body, smooth surface, and distinctive eyespots on its head. The monarch caterpillar is a type of striped, horned Florida caterpillar that has black, white, and yellow colors. Io moth caterpillars grow to be 6.5 cm long; they are pale green with a white and a red strip down the length of their bodies. Hickory horned devil caterpillars can grow up to 5.5 (14 cm) long. Gulf Fritillary Caterpillar (Dionevanillae). The gulf fritillary caterpillar is an orange caterpillar with spiny spikes around each segment. Castor. The queen butterfly caterpillar is a black and white striped caterpillar with yellow dots on its back and sides. The spiny oak slug caterpillar has a recognizable green body with three pairs of large spikes with black-tipped spines at the head and two similar horn-like spines at the rear. When human skin or those of pets are exposed to these excretions, it results in allergic reactions and in other cases . There are many kinds of poisonous caterpillars; several caterpillars develop chemical warfare - they become poisonous. They might look cute and fuzzy, but don't let their innocuous appearance fool you. Fabric with image of Orgyia detrita male. The fuzzy caterpillars congregate en masse on apple trees, as well as willow, oak, elm, birch, and maple trees. Hossler EW. At present, females can be identified to species only by association with their respective larvae (or in the case of Florida Orgyia detrita by association with their egg masses). American Journal of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene 72(3): 347-357. Also, they are commonly spun in dense masses among the foliage of epiphytic bromeliads (Tillandsia spp.). Apr 12, 2012 at 7:33 am. University of Florida. Male fir tussock moth (Orgyia detrita). Foltz (personal communication) counted egg masses on cocoons and found that there were far less than the 50 percent that would be expected based on a 50:50 ratio of females to males obtained by laboratory rearings. These caterpillars do not possess stingers, but have spines (nettling hairs) that are connected to poison glands. Figure 15. Despite its ugly appearance, the brown and white caterpillar turns into a spectacular butterfly with iridescent blue and orange colors. Resident Joel Mathis told Orlando TV. You can spot this caterpillar feeding on milkweed and dogbane plants. Photographs by Donald W. Hall, University of Florida. In some years the larvae are very numerous and become a problem when they leave their host plants to search for suitable sites to spin their cocoons. Milkweed Tiger Moth Caterpillar (Euchaetes egle). Allergic reactions are possible but not common. Beneath those soft hairs are stiff spines attached to poison glands. Feeds on oak, willow and other deciduous plants. Stings from these caterpillars can cause intense burning, inflammation, and red blanching. An identifiable trait of this jaggy-looking caterpillar is its two long black horns on its head. There are also stinging hairs on its four sets of prolegs. Symptoms can last anywhere from a day to over a week. Insects and Spiders. At rest, they hold their first pair of legs in an outstretched position. Figure 6. In Florida, youll find this small, slender black and orange caterpillar munching through Passiflora plant foliage. These hairs can be as long as 1 inch. In addition, several varieties of stinging caterpillars in the Sunshine State can give you a nasty sting if you handle them. The stinging spines are hollow, easily break off, and can embed deeply into skin. Figure 22. The stinging rose moth caterpillar is a colorful venomous caterpillar found along the east coast from New York to Florida. The form that occurs from South Carolina to Texas is subspecies Orgyia leucostigma leucostigma (Godfrey 1987). Photograph by Donald W. Hall, University of Florida. People apparently vary somewhat in their sensitivity to Orgyia species hairs. The white admiral caterpillar is a Florida caterpillar that looks like bird poop. The luna moth caterpillar is a light green crawling insect with a plump body, red dots, and tufts of small spines. The subfamily of Hemileucinae among Saturniidae, consisting of roughly 630 species and unique to the continents of North and South America, characteristically contains larvae bearing toxic spines. Figure 16. In 2017, a Florida woman's 5-year-old son accidentally stepped on one as he played outside. Eight-Spotted Forester Caterpillar (Alypia octomaculata). . Large ground beetles (Henn et al. Rather, a black widow bite can cause muscle aches, nausea, and difficulty breathing. Fir tussock moth (Orgyia detrita) caterpillar (dorsal view). it has a 2.8 to 3.9-inch wingspan and is the state butterfly of Florida. Tomato Hornworm (Manduca quinquemaculata). 1960. The spines have toxin glands at their base, the toxin is released when the spines make contact with skin. 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The redhumped caterpillar gets its name from the distinctive red humps on its black, yellow, and white striped body. The polyphemus moth caterpillar is a type of green, silk-spinning caterpillar found in Florida. Photograph by Donald W. Hall, University of Florida. A southern flannel caterpillar has a brown furry appearance with a broad rounded head that tapers to the tail end. They are usually found in protected places - in furrows in bark, undersides of limbs, in tree cavities, under loose bark, and often under the soffits of buildings. The caterpillar of the Douglas-Fir Tussock Moth (Orgyia pseudotsugata) feeds on firs, spruce, Douglas-firs, and other evergreens of the western United States and are a major cause of their defoliation. Photograph by Donald W. Hall, University of Florida. Only the three species that are found in Florida will be discussed here. Figure 21. The itch and welt could last up to a day, but it varies between individuals. The larva of the common pine sawfly is a light green caterpillarwith a line of black dots along each side and a single black line along its back. You can find out more about our use, change your default settings, and withdraw your consent at any time with effect for the future by visiting Cookies Settings, which can also be found in the footer of the site. They grow around an inch long and can be found throughout Florida. Photograph by Donald W. Hall, University of Florida. A breed of hairy caterpillars considered the most poisonous in the US have recently been spotted in Virginia. Others, like that of the Black Widow, cause vomiting and diarrhea, paralysis, drunken gait, and muscle tremors. . Her expertise extends from weddings and animals to every pop culture moment in between. Florida Museum of Natural History photo by Andrei Sourakov. The eye markings are black dots with a white center and light green ring around it. After mating, the females lay a mass of eggs directly on the cocoon and cover them with a protective covering. She has been scouring the Internet for the buzziest Southern news since joining the team in 2017. Additionally, they have metallic brown wings. The species is found from New Jersey to Florida and west to Arkansas and Texas. The eight-spotted forester larva is an orange caterpillar with bands of white and black stripes around its body. Red admiral caterpillars grow 1 (2.5 cm) long. Photograph by Lyle Buss, University of Florida. 1979. Zebra Longwing. You will also notice feathery spines along the caterpillars sides. The Zebra Longwing ( Heliconius charithonia) butterfly is easy to recognize by the zebra-like pattern on its wings. Beneficial Insects and Mites. Completed cocoon of fir tussock moth (Orgyia detrita). One of the strangest green caterpillars youll find in Florida is the spicebush swallowtail larvae. The sub-dorsal areas (sides) can be a dark gray as in Figures 1 and 2, or they can be light gray to light yellow as in Figure 3. Caterpillars of the mottled cup moth, commonly found in eastern Australia, have a complex venom made up of 151 separate toxins, according to new research published in the journal PNAS. The puss caterpillar is one of the "most venomous caterpillars in the U.S.," and it's making its seasonal return to at least one unlucky Southern state. Recently molted male fir tussock moth (Orgyia detrita) pupa (ventral view). The caterpillars, known as browntail moths, are about 1.5 inches long and have white dashes down their sides and two red dots on their backs. Some less common ones also occur in the state. Once in your skin these hairs cause sudden or gradually building pain depending on the specific caterpillar. It's known as the white marked tussock moth. 1. Moths and butterflies are potentially dangerous to people in one context: eating them. The recognizable feature of an azalea caterpillar is its round orange head and tail section. A pipevine swallowtail caterpillar larva is easy to identify due to its black appearance, brightly-colored orange dots, and fleshy tentacle-like horns. Florida is home to many types of caterpillars. Young larvae eat holes in leaves. Some are more poisonous than others. A banded woolly bear caterpillar is easy to identify due to the two black bands at its head and tail ends and a brown band around its middle. The egg stage is the overwintering stage for all three species. The stinging spiny oak slug caterpillar has two orange bands along its back and circular green and white patterns. Figure 10. Urticating hairs can be especially irritating when they get into your eye. Henn T, Weinzierl R, Koehler PG. In Florida, the overwintering eggs begin to hatch in late February. According to National Geographic, its venom is 15 times more potent than that of a rattlesnakethough, contrary to common myths, few people ever perish at the hands of the small spider. The pain immediately and rapidly gets worse after being stung, and can even make your bones hurt," University of Florida entomologist Don Hall told National Geographic. Photograph by Donald W. Hall, University of Florida. Some types of caterpillars are easy to identify because of where they feed. To identify the cloudless sulphur caterpillar, look for a green body with bluish-black dots, light yellowish short spines, and a yellow lateral band along its sides. Like many hornworm caterpillars, it has an oversized head. Although it looks like a stinging caterpillar, the banded woolly bear doesnt sting and isnt poisonous. Parasitoids of Orgyia detrita and Orgyia definita have not been well-studied, but those of Orgyia leucostigma are well documented. A stinging rose caterpillar has a yellow or red body with characteristic spiked horns on its back and a band of purple stripes. Much of the older literature places the tussock moths in the family Liparidae and more recently in the Lymantriidae. The sex pheromones of Orgyia detrita and Orgyia leucostigma have been characterized (Grant et al. There is also a row of stinging spines around its abdomen. It has a black head and a lemon yellow body. Fir tussock moth caterpillar (Orgyia detrita) parasitized by wasps. It's always a good idea to take a physical sample or photos of the plant to . 2009. Florida (101) Missouri (101) North Carolina (101) Maryland (99) Michigan (99) Mississippi (99) Nebraska (98) New Hampshire (98) . *This species is not currently recorded from N.A. Journal of Chemical Ecology 29(3): 589-601. Orgyia leucostigma was formerly placed in the genus Hemerocampa. SEMINOLE COUNTY, Fla. - Florida officials are warning about a potentially harmful caterpillar that may be lurking where your kids play during recess. Goldman et al. Hairy forest tent caterpillars mature at 2.5 (6.5 cm) long. Hayashi Y, Bird HT. Journal of Investigative Dermatology 34(1): 67-79. The wings of female pupae reach only slightly beyond the anterior margin of the fourth abdominal segment while those of male pupae extend nearly to the posterior margin of the segment (Mosher 1916). Identify a tobacco hornworm by its fat green body with whitish diagonal stripes and tiny eye-like markings on its sides. Photograph by Donald W. Hall, University of Florida. These projections have poisonous spines and the sting is a defensive mechanism to prevent predators from eating them. If control measures are required, chemical insecticide or Bacillus thuringiensis applications recommended for control of other caterpillars should be effective. The imperial moth caterpillar is a horned caterpillar with long spiky horns at its head and a jaggy tail-like protrusion at its rear end. Io moth caterpillars grow up to 2.3 (6 cm) in length. Definita is also lighter in body color than the other two species (Foltz 2004). Adults emerge from mid-April to early May. Second instar fir tussock moth larva (Orgyia detrita). Hairs in the cocoons retain their urticating capability for up to a year or longer. Fully grown caterpillars are about 2 cm long. Photograph by Donald W. Hall, University of Florida. Because adult females are flightless, ballooning by young larvae is the major mode of dispersal. He has suggested that levels of parasitism of pupae often approach 50 per cent (Foltz 2004, 2006). Dermatologic manifestations of encounters with Lepidoptera. Introduction and Catalog. Redrawn from Gilmer (1925) by Jane C. Medley, University of Florida. Woolly Bear Caterpillars and their adult-form, Isabella Tiger Moths, are found in incredibly varied climates, even the Arctic! The banded woolly bear caterpillar is a black and brown hairy caterpillar that is common in Florida. Another unusual feature to identify the tiger swallowtail caterpillar is its defensive organ (osmeterium) on its head. For example, many caterpillars only feed on specific types of shrubs, plants, or trees. Hag caterpillars, or monkey slugs, come in shades of brown; they have stinging hairs in pairs of lateral curved spines that vary in length. Spiny Oak Slug Caterpillar (Euclea delphinii). The sides of Orgyia leucostigma are light in color, similar to the light form of detrita. Among Floridas exotic and strange-looking caterpillars are fuzzy, striped, and unusual-looking horned caterpillars. Therefore, its always best never to handle a buck moth caterpillar to avoid its painful sting. Additionally spines contain a toxin that can cause rashes of round, red, swelling welts that itch, and even tissue damage. WATCH: Grumpy's Field Guide To Dangerous Spiders. Caterpillars and Moths. They're normally about an inch long and are often found near oak and . Caterpillars hatch from eggs and develop into worm-like crawling insects with four sets of prolegs, six forelegs, and a segmented body. In the year 2000, only 70 of 730 (9.6%) cocoons he examined had egg masses suggesting a high rate of mortality. Youll find black swallowtail caterpillars on milkweed and parsley plants. Tobacco hornworm caterpillars look like tomato hornworms. Dropping from host plants in response to predators by a polyphagous caterpillar. The saddleback caterpillar is easy to identify due to its unusual green and brown saddle marking, two spiny horns at either end, and two yellow eye-like markings on its head. Photograph by Lyle J. Buss, University of Florida. Figure 9. Moths are incapable of biting, especially when adults, making them even less of a harm to humans. Lyle Buss, senior biological scientist at the University of Florida, explained to Tampa Bay Times that most stings are harmless, only producing a rash. The white-marked tussock caterpillar is one of the most unusually hairy caterpillars youll find in Florida. The luna moth caterpillar grows to 3.5 (9 cm) in length. . Gulf fritillary caterpillars mature at 0.5 (1.2 cm) in length. Because they will eat almost anything, including herbs, tree leaves, and grasses, they can be found pretty much anywhere plants are growing. Newly-hatched larvae of the fir tussock moth (Orgyia detrita). This article is an identification guide to Floridas exotic, scary, stinging, horned, furry, and smooth-bodied caterpillars. The long-tailed skipper caterpillar is a large green slug-like caterpillar with rings of yellow dots around its segments and lateral greenish-yellow green lines running the length of its back.
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