Comments for small caterpillar yellow and black (Spotted Tussock Moth larva)
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small caterpillar yellow and black (Spotted Tussock Moth larva)

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Tussock caterpillar
by: Moni

Cynthia
Glad you found one!
It is interesting the things that show up for us to see. I have found insects in my yard the last few years I had never seen before and then do not see again. I think many are there we just don't happen to be in the right spot at the right time.
I just saw one on my deck
by: Cynthia

Have never seen anything like it so I am looking it up - I live on the northeast edge of Omaha, NE.
Spotted Tussock caterpillar
by: Moni

The Spotted tussock caterpillar is sometimes confused with the banded wooly bear caterpillar. However, as you noted, the white whiskers on both ends let us know it is a spotted tussock.
Thanks for the thorough discription Donalda.
Spotted Tussock Moth larva
by: Donalda

Hello Paul,
The moth in your picture is the caterpillar(larva) of the Spotted Tussock Moth.It is often seen crawing around in the fall looking for a place to pupate.This caterpillar is found all across Canada. In some parts of Canada it has the black spots down it's back,but in other parts of Canada it can appear with no spots.The adult moths are drab,and slightly different in colour.They are nocturnal.These caterpillars feed on a wide variety of trees including poplars, birches, maples, willows and oaks,but they never seem to cause any significant damage. Although the caterpillar is a pretty little thing,care must be taken if you handle it.The hairs can be very irritating to those with allergies. They tend to sting and burn ,much like touching a nettle weed.

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