Occasionally we all have a bad hair day. But can you imagine going through life with crazy hair every day? Look at this guy.
He can't decided if he wants a Mohawk or a Fauxhawk or something in between.
My son thinks he looks like the brushes in the drive through car wash or maybe a toothbrush.
Nevertheless, you have to admit that he is a captivating looking caterpillar with his bright red head and mid-dorsal tufts and black and yellow stripes. He is the white-marked tussock moth caterpillar.
These caterpillars can be found feeding on a wide variety of deciduous and conifer trees. My husband found this one while clearing an area at the corner end of our property on a woody plant. They are common in late summer when other caterpillar activity is otherwise ebbing.
This is a common caterpillar in wooded areas of the Eastern United States and southern Canada over to Texas. If you see one be warned that its hair can cause an allergic reaction and skin irritation so be mindful if you handle one. Otherwise enjoy its bad hair day.
Enchanting. If someone described this caterpillar to you, you wouldn't believe it.
ReplyDeleteThe Creator is so creative!!!!!! What an amazing little creature :-)
ReplyDeleteWhat an interesting looking caterpillar--so bright and colorful. Great macro shots of it. Mickie :)
ReplyDeleteGreat details of this little fellow.
ReplyDeleteVery nice macro photos of this interesting colorful creature.
ReplyDeleteRegards and best wishes
super macro and i got goosebumps lol! here's my entry
ReplyDeleteinteresting caterpillar !!!
ReplyDeleteWow, that's crazy! However, my sister got bit by one of this type, or like it and did have an allergic reaction.
ReplyDeleteIt is cute! The pictures are great! In September, similar guys appeared in our garden, also yellow, but a bit different.
ReplyDeleteHe really is a beauty, bad hair and all.
ReplyDeleteThat truly is some "crazy" hair but what a wonderful group of photo's of this amazing insect.
ReplyDeleteKarin I love finding odd caterpillars. This is a fun one...glad you shared him...
ReplyDeleteCute - but I was already afraid of the prickles before you mentioned the allergic reaction. Great shots! He looks like a tiny street washer!
ReplyDeleteVery cool critter...I've not run into him but, I'll be on the look out. gail
ReplyDeleteAww.. so cute!!
ReplyDeleteA beautiful creature of God's creation! Wonderful post and thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeleteRandy
It looks more colorful as a larva than as an adult. I searched for the adults to know them.
ReplyDeleteA lot of imagination went into its creation ! What an interesting little fellow - you captured him (her ?) very nicely !
ReplyDeleteI also enjoyed your series on repose - and I agree that sitting beside a babbling brook (enjoying fall colors) would be an excellent way to enjoy some repose !
Cute, but mostly because he's in YOUR yard, LOL. I'd have definitely been squeamish! GREAT pix though!
ReplyDeleteThese really are fascinating caterpillars. Really makes you wonder who his stylist was ;) We don't have them here, but we do have some similar looking creatures, and I remember bumping into some photos of this species while I was trying to identify ours. Those mid dorsal tufts really are something to behold!
ReplyDeleteWhat an awesome caterpillar! It definitely stands out in a crowd. :o)
ReplyDeleteJennifer@threedogsinagarden
ReplyDeleteThis is a caterpillar that is ready for anything. I notice he has antenna both front and back so you don't even know wether he is coming or going.
This is one amazing caterpillar and your macro captures are awesome. I was having so many bad hair days - mine is that uncontrollable curly stuff - i went and had it all cut off. I think my husband has more hair that I do now, and he it almost bald :-) This is one impressive series. Fine photography. genie
ReplyDeleteThe title alone made me laugh! Very very nice macro shots.
ReplyDeleteNot just the hair but the shape of that caterpillar is outrageous. Looks like he has an extra pointy tail as well as some pretty fabulous antenna.
ReplyDeleteFor the record, I don't have bad hair days. ;-P
ReplyDeleteAlso, this little dud rocks his hair! If I say punk, does my age show? Hehe