Bad Hair Day?

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.

Comments

  1. Enchanting. If someone described this caterpillar to you, you wouldn't believe it.

    ReplyDelete
  2. The Creator is so creative!!!!!! What an amazing little creature :-)

    ReplyDelete
  3. What an interesting looking caterpillar--so bright and colorful. Great macro shots of it. Mickie :)

    ReplyDelete
  4. Great details of this little fellow.

    ReplyDelete
  5. Very nice macro photos of this interesting colorful creature.

    Regards and best wishes

    ReplyDelete
  6. Wow, that's crazy! However, my sister got bit by one of this type, or like it and did have an allergic reaction.

    ReplyDelete
  7. It is cute! The pictures are great! In September, similar guys appeared in our garden, also yellow, but a bit different.

    ReplyDelete
  8. He really is a beauty, bad hair and all.

    ReplyDelete
  9. That truly is some "crazy" hair but what a wonderful group of photo's of this amazing insect.

    ReplyDelete
  10. Karin I love finding odd caterpillars. This is a fun one...glad you shared him...

    ReplyDelete
  11. Cute - but I was already afraid of the prickles before you mentioned the allergic reaction. Great shots! He looks like a tiny street washer!

    ReplyDelete
  12. Very cool critter...I've not run into him but, I'll be on the look out. gail

    ReplyDelete
  13. A beautiful creature of God's creation! Wonderful post and thanks for sharing.
    Randy

    ReplyDelete
  14. It looks more colorful as a larva than as an adult. I searched for the adults to know them.

    ReplyDelete
  15. A lot of imagination went into its creation ! What an interesting little fellow - you captured him (her ?) very nicely !

    I 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 !

    ReplyDelete
  16. Cute, but mostly because he's in YOUR yard, LOL. I'd have definitely been squeamish! GREAT pix though!

    ReplyDelete
  17. These 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!

    ReplyDelete
  18. What an awesome caterpillar! It definitely stands out in a crowd. :o)

    ReplyDelete
  19. Jennifer@threedogsinagarden
    This 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.

    ReplyDelete
  20. 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

    ReplyDelete
  21. The title alone made me laugh! Very very nice macro shots.

    ReplyDelete
  22. Not 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.

    ReplyDelete
  23. For the record, I don't have bad hair days. ;-P
    Also, this little dud rocks his hair! If I say punk, does my age show? Hehe

    ReplyDelete
  24. Thanks for the pics & description. We found one on our front doorstep & were amazed & bewildered at what kind of caterpillar it could be! My kids were happy I could google & find an answer so quickly! Gorgeous pics!

    ReplyDelete
  25. Found this caterpillar as my mom and I were washing the front door windows. What an awesome example of God's creativity. As we watched him, he did sort of a dance and then, deposited a little black dot on the table. Fortunately, we did not touch him and certainly won't after reading your great blog! Thanks so much!

    ReplyDelete

Post a Comment

One of my favorite things about blogging is the conversation with readers. Leave a comment and let's get talking. ~Karin

Popular Posts