Bug Pics & ID forum: Please ID This Caterpillar If Possible
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Gulf Coast, Texas feeding on young Zamia furfuracea (Cardboard Palm): about 2 inches (5.1cm). Appears a late instar of a moth. Have checked all my books, Texas insect sites, sites that listed Leipidoptera by host plant, Googled, to no avail. It disappeard after May 30, but I haven't found an unidentified crysalis. Seemed to be a single and did very little damage to the cycad. Rather shy as well. Any help appreciated as this one is totally new to me. |
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Hello and welcome!  Very nice shot, I hope it's enjoying your plant.  A quick google for a woolly bear caterpillar has revealed something it might be, Spilosoma virginica, the Virginian Tiger Moth. They go through several stages which look different with each stage. http://www.carolinanature.com/moths/virginiantigermoth.html http://www.butterfliesandmoths.org/species/Spilosoma-virgini... |
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 Thank you so much. I agree that's what it is, Spilosoma virginica. I couldn't get a good head shot, but the references you cited matched the head as well.No wonder I couldn't find it - it has no particular host plant and no set coloration. Have seen the adult moth about occasionally. It's gone now, no doubt to make more of itself |
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| It's always good to have seen the moth too, but the caterpillar does look correct. I love to see all the different moths, they are very entertaining! |
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| And some are every bit as beautiful as any butterfly. Love to watch the various sphinx moths at dusk. Thanks again. |
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I agree with that, I bet you have many more than we have in your warm (I guess hot ) climate. It's too cold here at the moment for anything much, typical British weather.  I have seen some Hawk moths come to the light at night, but they are not regular visitors. I often stand outside at night taking photos of moths, actually I stand on a chair as they land around the outside light.  |
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