CLOSED: What is this spiny caterpillar?

Watch Reply
More
Mark unread Print Skip to new
jrnuckels Ponder, TX Nov 06, 2010

Found today on a piece of reinforcement bar. About two inches long. No idea what it is. Maybe it has on its Halloween costume?

Thumbnail by jrnuckels
Post #8198493
Quote
suunto Sinks Grove, WV Nov 07, 2010

This a caterpillar of an io moth (Automeris io; Lepidoptera: Saturniidae). Be careful handling it, some of the body spines contain a toxin that can cause a painful skin rash - see http://tinyurl.com/2czuz8t

Post #8198699
Quote
jrnuckels Ponder, TX Nov 07, 2010

Thank you for the info. I had put it in a container with some leaf litter. Today it has begun making a cocoon.

Post #8199920
Quote
trackinsand mid central, FL(Zone 9a) Nov 10, 2010

this is one of the few caterpillars that actually can make you scream "momma" or worse! a lot of caterpillars look like they would hurt because of the protuberances on the body but the IO, the pussmoth, the saddleback and the hag are the only four that i know of that are really capable of inflicting pain, so as suunto said, be very careful.

Post #8205446
Quote

Post a Reply to this Thread

Please or sign up to post.
Back to Forum Homepage

More Insect and Spider Identification Threads

Go to all Insect and Spider Identification threads
BACK TO TOP