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Black Hairy Caterpillar with Yellow Spots Down Back (Silver Spotted Tiger Moth caterpillar)

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Silver Spotted Tiger Moth caterpillar
by: Moni

jeeplassie
Well, the Silver Spotted Tiger Moth caterpillar does look similar...and may be the caterpillar you have. Tho your photo does not show the distinct black pencil markings on the photos I have found nor is it as light colored as all the other silver spotted caterpillar pics, but it is as close as I have found so far. Thanks for the tip - Anonymous.
Here are the bugguide photos - http://bugguide.net/node/view/43315/bgimage

If it is the silver spotted tiger caterpillar, it is found in forests of douglas firs tho will feed on other conifers. They are found in the western states.
According to bugguide - "Larvae feed from August until winter, at which time they spin webs for shelter and hibernate (they sometimes come out and feed on warm days, even as early as January). During the late spring they disperse throughout the tree for a short while, then in May and June find secluded places to pupate."
"Note of Caution: Like several kinds of wooly-bear-type caterpillars, these have venomous, stinging hairs, which can cause a burning sensation and/or a rash in sensitive people- look, but don't touch!
For this reason these may not be the best caterpillars to try to raise - Please handle with caution!!
Here is another website with a little info about this insect that may help raising it to the adult moth -
http://cru.cahe.wsu.edu/CEPublications/eb1718/eb1718.html

Silver Spotted Tiger Moth
by: Anonymous

I live in Pollock Pines as well and wanted to know myself what kind of moths these little buggers turned into. last year I found out that they were (most likely)the Silver Spotted Tiger Moth. I had to Google search it again this year because I forgot the name and came across your page. Don't know when you posted it, but there you go. It feeds on Fir trees. I get all my bug info on Bugguide.net

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