White-Marked Tussock Moth Caterpillar Identification

A first-grade student found a striking caterpillar: 1.5 inches long, mostly white with yellow accents, skinny, with large white antennae tipped in yellow, white lateral hairs, and four yellow tufts on its back. It was identified as the white-marked tussock moth (Orgyia leucostigma).

These caterpillars feed on a wide range of woody plants. The adult female is flightless; males are gray-brown moths. The species overwinters as eggs laid in a frothy mass on the female's cocoon. While they can be numerous, they rarely cause serious damage.

Key Features:

• Four distinct yellow dorsal tufts.
• Long, white "antennae" (actually anterior projections).
• White lateral hair pencils.
• Red head and black stripe down back.

A fascinating find for young naturalists!