White-marked Tussock Moth
The white-marked tussock moth caterpillar is brightly colored, with tufts of hair-like “setae.” As you might guess, it’s in the same family (Arctiidae) as the woolly bear/Isabella tiger moth. Although these caterpillars are appealing to the eye (of some people), it’s best not touch them, as their hairs break off very easily and can cause a painful reaction on your skin. There are a number of species of tussock moths, many of which, in their larval stage, have these bristles and tufts. As adult moths, most are brown or grey, and live long enough to mate, but they do not eat.
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