White-marked tussock moth caterpillar

Woodlands, gardens, parks, and urban landscapes across much of eastern and central North America, especially on deciduous trees and shrubs.

The caterpillar feeds on a wide range of hardwoods, ornamentals, and shrubs, including oak, maple, apple, and willow.

Solitary, active mostly during the day, and develops through several hairy larval stages before pupating in a loose silk cocoon. Adults are sexually dimorphic: females are wingless, while males fly and locate females by pheromones.

Barbed hairs can cause itchy dermatitis or eye and respiratory irritation; avoid handling. It is a native herbivore and occasional pest, while also serving as prey for birds and parasitoids.