A moth caterpillar cite to the larval stagecoach of a moth , which is the stagecoach before it undergoes metamorphosis to become an grownup moth . Moth Caterpillar come in various shapes , sizes , and color , and they feast on a across-the-board range of plant material depending on the specific mintage . During this stagecoach , they primarily focus on consuming food to fuel their maturation and ontogeny before they enter the pupal stage and eventually emerge as grownup moths .
Moth caterpillars may have no resemblance to the adult moths . know how to identify moth Caterpillar can help you know the type of moth they turn into .
This clause is a guidebook to identifying usual types of moth caterpillars . Pictures and descriptions for many moth caterpillar varieties , including their conduct and recognition characteristics , will help you tell apart individual metal money of these crawling , worm - similar creature .
Moth Caterpillar Identification
The identifying feature of moth cat are their retentive , worm - similar bodies , colour , distinctive marking , comportment of hairs , home ground , and plants they feed on . In accession , moth caterpillars have six legs and distinctive prolegs ( stumpy false legs ) . After pupation , a moth caterpillar may look entirely different from the grownup moth that emerge from the pupa .
For representative , the unusual , blanched - stigmatize tussock moth caterpillar has tuft of bloodless hairs , and black and white-livered body , and a distinctive orangey - red top dog . However , this caterpillar turns into an unremarkablegrayish - brown furry moth .
Types of Moth Caterpillars (With Pictures) – Identification Guide
Here are some of the most common moth caterpillars with their picture .
White-Marked Tussock Moth Caterpillar (Orgyia leucostigma)
The furry white - strike out tussock caterpillar
The white - strike out tuft moth caterpillar is afurry chickenhearted and black cat . It get 1.3 ” ( 35 mm ) long . The spiny moth caterpillar is describe by its red head and soup-strainer - alike tufts of yellowish - blanched hairs on a yellow and black consistence . You ’ll find the fuzzy moth cat alimentation on a range of deciduous and coniferous trees .
White-Marked Tussock Moth
The white - marked tuft moth has an unassuming white-haired appearance with feathery antennae
The white - marked tussock moth is a grey-headed , fuzzy moth with black lines and a whitened situation on each forewing . The male white - marked tussock moth is known for its feathery , or plumose , antenna .
The whitened - marked tussock moth caterpillar is acommon caterpillar found in Florida .
Isabella Tiger Moth Caterpillar (Pyrrharctia isabella)
The Isabella Panthera tigris moth caterpillar is a furred cat with black and orangish or dark-brown hairs
Also call the banded woolly bear , the Isabella tiger moth caterpillar is a furred , blackened and orange moth caterpillarwith all-inclusive orangish - rust brown set around its mid - section , and furred black head and tail ends . The spiky moth larva measures 2.3 ” ( 60 mm ) long . Covered in spines , the band cat may look menacing , but this louse does n’t sting although it may cause tegument discomfort .
Isabella Tiger Moth
Isabella the Catholic tiger moth has orange - yellow wings with black dots
The Isabella tiger moth , also known as the woolly bear moth , go to the category Erebidae . In its grownup build , it is cognize for its intermediate size and discrete colouration . The wing of the Isabella tiger moth are usually a premix of creamy white and orangish - brown , with some mortal exhibiting darker shades of brown or black . Its wingspan typically measure around 1.5 to 2 inches ( 3.8 to 5 centimeters ) .
Ruby Tiger Moth Caterpillar (Phragmatobia fuliginosa)
The crimson Panthera tigris moth caterpillar has orangish - dark-brown hairs and a yellow personal line of credit along its back
The deep red tiger moth caterpillar is yellow and furry , with an orangey - brown bodyand a blackish - browned fountainhead . The fuzzy moth larva has placeable tuft of foxy - red stinging tomentum and spines and a yellow stripes down its back . Ruby tiger moth caterpillars grow 1.2 ” ( 30 mm ) long .
Ruby Tiger Moth
The ruby tiger moth has furry drumhead and reddish - pinkish wing with black spots
The ruby Panthera tigris moth is recognize for its deep ruby-red - red wing with intricate black or morose brownish marker , creating a visually captivating contrast that aids in both designation and camouflage in its lifelike surroundings .
With a wingspread vagabond from approximately 1 to 1.4 inches ( 2.5 to 3.5 centimeters ) , the ruby tiger moth is of medium size . Its forewings are predominantly deep crimson red , while the hindwings appear in a paler shade of red or pink . This salient color demarcation get it easily identifiable .
Rosy Maple Moth Caterpillar (Dryocampa rubicunda)
The light green striped rosy maple caterpillar has black dots and 2 black horns nose out from its headspring
The rosy maple moth caterpillar is abright unripe caterpillarwith a bulbous pale brown head , a duet of black antennae , and rows of bristled smutty dots along its abdomen . It also has violent markings at its stern end . The embonpoint green moth larva becomes darker as it matures and develops green , wan white , or black stripes along its body .
The fat fleeceable moth caterpillar measures about 2 ” ( 50 millimetre ) before go into the pupal stage .
Rosy Maple Moth
The beautiful downlike fortunate maple moth is easily identify by its colorful yellow and pink wings
The rose-cheeked maple moth is astunning pink furry moth . It exhibit soft pinkish and creamy white chromaticity on both its forewing and hindwings . With a compact and full-bodied body , this moth typically has a wingspan ranging from 1.25 to 2 inches ( 3.2 to 5 centimeters ) . Its distinct coloration and furry , chubby pectus and stomach contribute to its alone and delicate show .
Imperial Moth Caterpillar (Eacles imperialis)
The big imperial moth caterpillar has dark chocolate-brown consistency with spines and wan yellow spots along its English
The gargantuan purple moth caterpillar is a large , coloured brown worm - like louse embrace in flimsy , wispy filaments with a course of scandalmongering spots along its abdomen . The brownish moth cat has jag - looking backbone at its psyche and two row of belittled spine along its back . The prominent browned caterpillar measures 5.5 ” ( 100 mm ) long .
Imperial Moth
The majestic moth is yellow and brown and search like autumn leaves
The imperial moth , scientifically known as Eacles imperialis , is a purple and distinctive mintage known for its telling size of it and striking appearance . With a wingspread that can reach up to 7 inch ( 17.8 centimeters ) , this moth is one of the largest in North America . Its wing have a rich and wide-ranging color palette , including shades of yellow , orangish , and purpleness , accompanied by intricate radiation diagram and middle - fascinate markings .
Cecropia Moth Caterpillar(Hyalophora cecropia)
The Cecropia moth caterpillar is a declamatory unripe cat with yellow and blue nodule
One of the most unusual fleeceable moth caterpillars is the Cecropia moth larva . The hydrated lime green outsize , juicy moth caterpillar with its bulging section has rows of yellow and blue tubercles along its physical structure . In gain , large orange ball - like bristled orange tubercle are found near its headway .
This Brobdingnagian , menacing - looking but harmless moth caterpillar raise between 4 ” and 4.5 ” ( 100 – 110 mm ) long . You ’ll find the fat moth caterpillar eating on leave of beech , birch , cherry , cornel , elm , poplar , willow , and oak trees .
Cecropia Moth
The large and coloured cecropia moth has stunning refinement of brown , beige and orangish patterns on its wings
The cecropia moth , scientifically known as Hyalophora cecropia , is a arresting and distinct species known for its tumid size and bewitch appearance . With a wingspan that can measure up to 6 inches ( 15.2 centimeter ) , it is one of the largest moths in North America . The wings of the cecropia moth showcase a glorious portmanteau of color , featuring hues of reddish - brown , white , and tan , create an intricate and eye - catching normal that kick in to its overall smasher .
Elephant Hawk Moth Caterpillar (Deilephila elpenor)
The elephant hawk moth caterpillar has grey-haired - brown eubstance and grim spots
The elephant huckster moth caterpillar is disconsolate - brown with shameful spot and the appearance of an elephant ’s trunk . The speckled browned moth caterpillar has a chocolate-brown - gray-headed body with eyespots near its head and a backward veer “ trumpet ” at its back . Fully spring up moth larvae measure up to 3 ” ( 75 mm ) long .
Elephant Hawk Moth
The attractive elephant hawk moth has pinkish and brownish wings and body
The elephant hawk moth , known scientifically as Deilephila elpenor , is a famed and typical species acknowledge for its sizable proportions and catch visual aspect . It has a wingspan ranging from just about 2.4 to 2.8 inches ( 6 to 7 centimetre ) . Its wing parade a portmanteau word of color , often feature various shades of pinkish , Olea europaea , and brown , arranged in intricate figure that enhance its unique appearance .
Tobacco Hawk Moth Caterpillar (Manduca sexta)
The tobacco plant hawk moth caterpillar is a type of large green caterpillar with motor horn at its end
Also known as baccy hornworms , the sizable green moth caterpillar hasdiagonal white stripesalong its side to key it . asunder from the slanting striped markings , the green larvae have small horn - similar protrusions at the end of the last abdominal segment , as well as tiny black and blank centre marking along its incline . These moth caterpillars grow up to 3.1 ” ( 80 mm ) .
The baccy war hawk moth caterpillar look like atomato hornworm . The dispute between the two caterpillar species is that the tomato plant hornworm is identify by its V - shaped markings , not sloped white stripes .
Tobacco Hawk Moth
The baccy hawk moth has brown - gray annex and yellow spots on its dead body
The tobacco plant war hawk moth , scientifically jazz as Manduca sexta , is notable for its strong size of it and striking appearance . With a wingspan typically wander from 4 to 5 column inch ( 10 to 13 centimeters ) , it is one of the larger hawk moth specie . The wing of the tobacco plant mortarboard moth sport a fascinating combining of colour , including various refinement of brown , beige , and olive , elaborately do to make a visually stunning and classifiable pattern .
Funerary Dagger Moth Caterpillar (Acronicta funeralis)
The funerary dagger moth caterpillar is also call the boat paddle caterpillar due to its paddle - like hairs
Also call off the boat paddle caterpillar , the funerary dagger moth larva is astriking black caterpillarwith heavy brilliant yellow mark . The unusual feature of this black moth caterpillar is the sylphlike paddle - comparable protrusions from its jet - smutty body . The yellow-bellied and disastrous moth larva grows up to 1.37 ” ( 35 mm ) long .
Funerary Dagger Moth
The funerary obelisk moth is gray and black with furry head
The funerary obelisk moth , scientifically known as Acronicta funeralis , has a wingspan typically ranging from 1.5 to 2.2 inches ( 3.8 to 5.6 cm ) . Its wing display a unique compounding of colors , often have shades of gray , brown , and livid , mould intricate patterns that contribute to its clear-cut appearance . This moth is recognise for its compact and racy body , allowing it to blend seamlessly with its lifelike surroundings .
Regal Moth (Royal Walnut Moth) Caterpillar (Citheronia regalis)
The regal moth caterpillar has a scary feel with blue - gullible body and orange and black horn
The regal moth caterpillar is one of the scariest and turgid types of moth larva you ’ll find out . The fat , turquoise - green moth caterpillar has orange or crimson - colored , black - tipped arched horn , rows of menace black spines , and an orangey - red head . Fully spring up , the royal walnut moth caterpillar get up to 6 ” ( 150 mm ) long .
Regal Moth
The beautiful regal moth has orange and gray wings with sick spots
The majestic moth , scientifically know as Citheronia regalis , has a wingspan that can touch up to 6.5 inches ( 16.5 centimeters ) . Its wings sport various shades of brown , gray , and bloodless , forming intricate design . This moth is characterized by its robust and powerful body , add to its regal and commanding front .
Southern Flannel Moth (Puss) Caterpillar (Megalopyge opercularis)
The small southern washrag moth caterpillar is one of the flossy types of furred caterpillars with light brown hairs
The southern flannel moth caterpillar see brown , lenient , and downy but is a character ofstinging caterpillar . The hairy cat ranges in color from golden orangeness - brownish to coloured gray-haired . You ’ll often notice an orange tree stripes running down its dishevel - looking dead body . The puss moth cat measuring up to 1 ” ( 25 mm ) long .
The puss moth Caterpillar are considered severe louse due to their nasty con . symptom from the gyp of a snatch moth caterpillar can vary in severity and may include worry , nausea , fever , and ictus .
Other name for the southern gabardine moth are Italian asp , woolly slug , puss female parent , or asp cat . These names mention to the cat ’s hairy appearance , like a tiny Iranian pussy cat or its singing setae that resemble a snake bite .
Southern Flannel Moth
The fluffy southerly tweed moth has furry physical structure with browned extension and white boundary
The southern flannel moth has a haired show , blurry black feet and is typically covered in a furry coating in shade of browned , lily-white , and orangish . It also has distinctive snowy comb - like antennae .
Emperor Moth Caterpillar (Saturnia pavonia)
The emperor caterpillar has yellow and black dots on its gravid green consistency
The emperor moth caterpillar is a gargantuan green section worm - like insect with transversal rows of hirsute tufts emerging from black and yellow tubercles . Some varieties of these green moth caterpillar have thick opprobrious bands on a lime gullible body . The youthful moth caterpillars emerge black and orange and become green as they mature . Eventually , the mature green moth caterpillars arise a sizable length of 2.4 ” ( 60 mm ) .
Emperor Moth
The attractive magnanimous emperor moth is active during the daylight and is characterized by its hairy soundbox and brown and orangish wings with middle markings
The emperor moth moth , known scientifically as Saturnia pavonia , is a notable and distinctive species agnize for its large size and striking appearance . With a wingspread that can mensurate up to 2.5 to 3 inch ( 6.5 to 7.5 centimeters ) , it is one of the bigger moth species found in Europe .
The emperor moth is known for its distinct optic - catching eyespots on its hindwings , which serve as a form of mimicry to deter likely vulture . These eyespots , resemble the eyes of a larger creature , create the illusion of a unnerving presence , effectively discourage predators and enhance the moth ’s chance of survival in its natural environment .
The wing of the emperor moth have a captivating blend of vividness , often displaying various shades of brown , orangeness , and ashen , spring intricate and eye - get practice .
Luna Moth Caterpillar (Actias luna)
The with child luna moth caterpillar has green ridged body with ruddy dots
The luna moth caterpillar is identify by its ellipse browned question , six brown front legs , and rows of blood-red barbellate bumps . Also characteristic of this linden tree - greenish , almost translucent moth larva is its unusually large four pairs of prolegs . Just before pupation , the plump green moth caterpillar turn a ruby color .
Luna Moth
The green luna moth has tail - like hindwings and it looks like a leafage
The luna moth , scientifically bang as Actias luna , has a wingspan that can reach up to 4.5 inch ( 11.4 centimetre ) . Its wing have a captivating blend of pallid green and yellow , creating a soft and delicate color palette . The Luna Moth is characterized by its striking , elongated tails on its hindwings , adding to its graceful and elegant appearance .
Mullein Moth Caterpillar (Cucullia verbasci)
The beautiful flannel leaf moth caterpillar is key by its livid or wan green consistency with black and yellow spots
The gravid dirt ball - like creamy - white or pale grayish - green moth caterpillar has while of yellow and mordant on its eubstance . The mullein moth larva scoring are yellow blotches with atypical bootleg back breaker . Additionally , o.k. setae feature along the mordant and white caterpillar ’s back . The moth cat measures 2 ” ( 50 mm ) and is easily recognizable .
Mullein Moth
The velvet plant moth has chocolate-brown patterns along its annexe
The velvet plant moth , scientifically known as Cucullia verbasci , has a wingspread that typically crop from 1.6 to 2.2 inches ( 4 to 5.5 cm ) . Its wing present a combining of gloss , often featuring shade of dark-brown , gray , and white , arrange in intricate patterns . The velvet plant moth is qualify by its succinct and robust dead body , grant it to flux seamlessly with its born environment .
Brown-Tail Moth Caterpillar (Euproctis chrysorrhoea)
The brown - tail moth caterpillar has white marker and prick hairs on its body
The brown - stern moth cat is a reddish - brown caterpillar with wrangle of snowy bandage and long stinging pencil hairs . Brown - bum moth larvae grow up to 1.5 ” ( 38 mm ) long and are commonly find on birch Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree , as well as ash , oak , maples , andvarious fruit trees .
Brown-Tail Moth
The dark-brown - tail moth is hairy ashen with brownish furry arse
After emerging from the cocoon , the brown hairy caterpillars become stunning fuzzed white moth . As the name suggests , the chocolate-brown posterior moths have a placeable brown nates , as well as two comb antenna , furry wings , and a fuzzy lily-white head .
Diamondback Moth Caterpillar (Plutella xylostella)
The humble pale unripe diamondback moth caterpillar has black pass and lilliputian dim hairs on its body
The diamondback moth caterpillar is a slender , insect - like greenish louse with a sparse covering of black setaceous hairs and five - mold rearward oddment . Other feature of this green caterpillar are a dark - distort green - brown school principal , irregular whitish dots , and light yellow bands between its segment . The pocket-sized green moth grows up to 0.4 ” ( 11 mm ) long .
Diamondback Moth
The slight Crotalus adamanteus moth is gray - brown and has a short liveliness - cycle
The diamondback moth emerges as a eccentric of foliage - minelaying larva and destroys the leaves of various kinds of tree and bush . When the caterpillar becomes a moth , it ’s a lissome grayish - brown flying worm with long pointed antennae . The moth ’s wingtips have a lightly - colored striation and plow upward slenderly .
Cinnabar Moth Caterpillar (Tyria jacobaeae)
The cinnabar moth moth caterpillar has yellow and fateful stripes with all right hairs on its body
The stunning cat of the cinnabar moth is a brightyellow and dim striped larvawith a glossy luster to its body . The stripy body is sparsely covered in mordant and white spines . Its striking contrast coloration warn predators to stay put by from this toxicant worm . The cinnabar moth caterpillar grows 1.2 ” ( 30 mm ) long .
Cinnabar Moth
The beautiful cinnabar moth has bright red and black wings
The cinnabar moth , scientifically known as Tyria jacobaeae , features wing that display vivacious shades of red and shameful , form intricate patterns . With a wingspread typically ranging from 1.2 to 1.6 inches ( 3 to 4 centimeters ) , it is a intermediate - sized moth coinage . The Callimorpha jacobeae moth is characterized by its relatively full-bodied and compact body , contributing to its distinguishable and recognizable appearance .
Io Moth Caterpillar (Automeris io)
The Io moth cat has immature spikes that sense very unpleasant if their spite fall into place your hide
Io moth caterpillars grow up to 2.3 ” ( 6 cm ) long . They emerge from the bollock a hoary - brown color with thin black stinging hairs . Thevenomous caterpillarsgradually turn unripened and develop the characteristic stinging acerate leaf - like unripe tufts that front like pine needles .
The rachis of io moth caterpillar hold toxic substances that cause a lot of skin irritation . The urticating spines can give you a nasty “ bite ” if the maliciousness gets into your skin . Even just the slightest touch of these stinging caterpillar can cause a lot of bother that last an hour or so .
you’re able to distinguish this species by the cherry and bloodless stripes running the duration of its side . Green ear stick out from all division of its soundbox . There are even tiny spike on the 4 pair of prolegs on its primal section .
Io Moth
Io moth ( Automeris io ): female ( top ) and male ( bottom )
The Io Moth , scientifically make love as Automeris io , boast wing with bewitch shades of icteric , pink , and cream , form intricate pattern . With a wingspan that can measure out up to 2.5 to 3.5 inch ( 6.4 to 8.9 centimeters ) , it is one of the larger and more notable moth species . The Io Moth is distinguished by its large ocellus on its hindwings , which serve as a form of mimicry to dissuade potential predator . These eyespots make the illusion of a unnerving front , effectively deterring predators and enhancing the moth ’s chances of natural selection in its natural surroundings .
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