White-marked tussock moth caterpillar

Woodlands, parks, and gardens across much of eastern North America; larvae feed on trees and shrubs.

Caterpillars eat leaves from many deciduous trees and shrubs, including oak, maple, and birch.

The caterpillar has conspicuous pale hairs and dark dorsal tufts; it wanders while searching for a place to pupate. Adults are short-lived moths, and females are wingless.

Its hairs can cause skin irritation or an allergic rash, so avoid handling it. Larvae are part of the food web but can defoliate trees when abundant.