Giant Leopard Moth Caterpillar

Found in woodlands, gardens, and farmlands throughout North America.

Generalist feeder; eats a wide range of plants including dandelion, plantains, violets, honeysuckle, and willow.

Mainly nocturnal; when threatened, they curl into a tight spiral, exposing red/orange bands between their black segments. They overwinter as larvae and pupate in the spring.

Generally harmless to humans; their bristles are stiff but not stinging or venomous like some other caterpillars. They serve as an important food source for birds and later as a pollinator in their adult moth stage.