I was cutting back plants and noticed this caterpillar. It is the first time I've noticed this type in my yard. I couldn't locate it in the Caterpillars of Eastern North America, so I'm looking for help with the ID?
Is this a type of hairstreak?
It's not a butterfly, but a moth.... an Io Moth, Automeris io. Here's a photo from the bug guides-
http://davesgarden.com/guides/bf/showimage/2810/
Check page 238 of Caterpillars of Eastern North America. I think you'll see your caterpillar.
I have those some years on my Eastern Redbud tree. I understand that we would not want to pick one up.
OH my gosh now I can't even read. Yes gardenkate you are right. Thank you. You can't see it too clearly in my picture because the photo won't enlarge enough but at the end of the green then black "spines" you can see what looks like a thin black thread. I think those are the projections that stick in your skin if you touch them. I still think it is a pretty caterpillar the moth not so much. Thanks again.
Maybe a better picture.
