Erika Barthelmess

I had this same critter on my garden hose this evening. I believe it is called a "hickory tussock moth" caterpillar (scientific name Lophocampa caryae). These caterpillars feed on the leaves of nut trees such as hickory walnut, and also eat ash, elm, oak, and willow. The hairs can cause an itchy rash if touched and are microscopically barbed (like porcupine quills) and could thus be very problematic if you got one in your eye.

Posted: 08/25/2015 - 21:43