Wildlife Watching Wednesday: The White-Marked Tussock Moth Caterpillar

By: Tom Berg

Everyone knows that caterpillars turn into butterflies, but many people don’t think about the fact that some caterpillars turn into moths, too. One really cool-looking caterpillar that turns into a moth is the White-Marked Tussock Moth caterpillar. That’s quite a mouthful, and I wouldn’t want to have to say that ten times fast!

This beautiful caterpillar is the poster child for “furry” or “hairy” caterpillars. It is absolutely covered with mostly white setae (hairs or bristles), and these hairs are used as a fairly effective defense against many predators – especially mammals. Some of these hairs contain urticating compounds which can be very irritating to the skin. Some of the hairs or bristles even have barbs that puncture the skin and work their way inward, causing more irritation.

In addition to its long, soft-looking hairs, the white-marked tussock moth caterpillar has four thick white clumps of very short hairs on its back near its head. There are also two bright red spots near its tail, and the red color may be a warning to predators (and people) not to touch it. People with sensitive skin should definitely avoid touching these caterpillars.

Of course, the irritation caused by these hairs is not dangerous to people. It may only cause slight itching and irritation in some people, but it may feel like a more potent sting to other. Some people have reported that it feels similar to stinging nettles. The irritation is temporary, though, and hairs or bristles which have penetrated the skin can be removed by pulling them out individually or using tape like duct tape to pull them out all at once.

White-marked tussock moth caterpillars feed on a variety of tree leaves and plant matter, especially oak, willow and cherry trees. The caterpillars grow for several weeks before maturing and finding a safe spot to spin their cocoon. It then goes through metamorphosis after about two weeks in the cocoon and emerges as an adult moth. The adult then finds a mate and the whole process begins again!

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