Salt Marsh Caterpillar

Fields, gardens, meadows, and salt marshes across North America.

Broad range of host plants including weeds, vegetables (beans, peas, cabbage), and field crops (corn, cotton).

Highly active larvae that crawl rapidly. Known for mass dispersals; they overwinter as pupae in silk-lined cocoons and emerge as white moths.

Generally not harmful to humans, though hairs can cause mild skin irritation in sensitive individuals. They are minor agricultural pests but serve as a food source for birds and parasitic wasps.