Silver Spotted Tiger Moth (Lophocampa argentata) on Mar 20, 2022

Originally reported as Tent Caterpillars (Malacosoma species)

Submitter does not have a specimen

Description of specimen

The caterpillars are two and a half to three inches long. The are fuzzy with the fuzz a reddish hue. The center of the caterpillars are yellow and black. They are in clusters on each other forming tents.

Commentary

That is Lophocampa argentata, silver spotted tiger moth. They are gregarious and on conifers, and they’re more fuzzy with the rust colored hairs. This is a native species and not a cause for concern.

Josh Vlach
March 30, 2022, 4:48 a.m.