Caterpillars of many butterfly species consume plants that have toxic defensive chemicals, which they sequester to specific tissues, such as fat tissues. Predators quickly learn that these ...

Cindy Burkhardt had been watching a sphinx moth caterpillar in her garden for several days, but then it disappeared. Skip to content. All Sections. Subscribe Now. 68°F. Thursday, July 17th 2025 ...

There are three species of tussock moth caterpillars found in Florida. The fir tussock moth (Orgyia detrita): The most common one, these have orange-colored spots along the back and sides; ...

These little critters are fuzzy, colorful and all over Florida – but don't touch the caterpillars or you'll be in for a bad time. It's practically raining tussock moth caterpillars all over ...

The Tussock moth caterpillar, an insect which has spiky hairs that can cause irritation, is currently plentiful in Florida — and experts are advising locals not to touch them.

The University of Florida campus is experiencing a large influx of tussock moth caterpillars. While not poisonous, the caterpillars' hairs can cause skin irritation for some people.

Tussock moth caterpillars are native to Florida and the southeastern United States and feed on oak trees, among many others. Every year they hatch around the same time trees are getting new leaves ...