There are many different type of Caterpillar in Alabama , and they all have distinctive trait and eye - catching hue . The Black Swallowtail Caterpillar ( Papilio polyxenes ) , a vast green caterpillar with characteristic black and yellow stripes surrounding each section , is one remarkable specie . It ’s not covered with spike , spines , or horn like some caterpillars are . The Monarch Caterpillar ( Danaus plexippus ) , another intriguing resident , is distinguished by its disrobe and horned look in vivid yellow , white , and black hues . These caterpillars only consume milkweed plant , store toxins as a credit line of defence .
The Eight - fleck Forester Caterpillar ( Alypia octomaculata ) , an orangish caterpillar with pitch-black and white bar all over its consistency , is also found in Alabama . Its segments have characteristic feathery spinal column that enhance to its strange appearing , and its tuberosity areblack and resemble tinyround dots . The Common Pine Sawfly Caterpillar ( Diprion pini ) , which has a light green body with black markings on its slope and a single grim communication channel along its back , is another fascinating worm . After pupating , this caterpillar becomes a pine sawfly , a kind of white Anglo-Saxon Protestant .
These are just a few example of the many differenttypes of caterpillarsthat Alabama ’s wide-ranging ecosystem financial backing , adding to the state ’s biodiversity and displaying the complex sweetheart of its louse residents . To teach in Alabama , please read the article below .
Different Types of Caterpillars in Alabama
Azalea Caterpillars
Scientifically experience as Datana major , Azalea Caterpillars are characterize by their black bodies adorn with vibrant green bands . These conspicuous larvae boast a typical appearance with round orange heads and tail section . recognisable through their striking immature , black , and orange scoring , these voracious caterpillars vex a terror to the leafage of blueberry , apple , and oak trees .
Gulf Fritillary Caterpillar
Scientifically discover as Dione vanillae , the Gulf Fritillary Caterpillar distinguishes itself with spiny projections surrounding its orange segments . Notable feature article include grayish - black stripe that run along its back , ease straight designation . Typically locate on passion flowers , these caterpillars showcase a silken orange body embellished with prominent blackish stripes and blatant spines .
Spicebush Swallowtail Caterpillar
Scientifically identified as Papilio Troilus , the Spicebush Swallowtail Caterpillar give a distinctive appearance as a unique green cat in Alabama . It showcases expectant centre scoring on its head , transition from browned to greenish and at last take over a yellowish hue in its final growth stage . Each segment is adorned with distinctive blue circular patterns . Remarkably , ocellus mark on the head are created by black circles surrounded by yellow closed chain . Typically inhabit sweet bay and spicebush , thiscaterpillar displays exceptional features for easy designation .
Redhumped Caterpillar
Scientifically designated as Schizura concinna , the Redhumped Caterpillar deduce its name from the conspicuous red gibbousness on its back . Distinguished by sensationalistic and white stripes , soft horn - comparable protrusions , cherry - red circular heads , and feathery spines , this caterpillar thrives on almond , orchard apple tree , apricot , birch , and cherry tree diagram . With its shiny fateful consistence embellish with prickly spike bands , this caterpillar in Alabama exhibits typical features that make it easily placeable .
Red Admiral Caterpillar
Polyphemus Moth Caterpillar
Scientifically designated as Antheraea polyphemus , the Polyphemus Moth Caterpillar is a silk - spinning species with a wakeful green body adorn by vivacious red dots along each section . It is characterized by its chubby soma and distinguishable spines emerging from crimson nodule . Over the course of its growth stages , the jejune caterpillars exhibit a promising yellow colour that gradually transitions to greenness . Typically found on apple , ash , birch , elm , hazel , maple , rise , and dogwood Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree , this caterpillar is identifiable by its lustrous green translucent body sport rows of either scarlet dots or silver spiny dots around its segments .
Evergreen Bagworm
herald from the Psychidae family , theEvergreen Bagworm is a shining black or dark browncaterpillar found in Alabama . Its notable characteristic lies in the protective bag - similar structure crafted from tree foliage , rendering it hard to detect . These caterpillars are known for infesting and fleetly defoliating decorative backyardtrees such as blackened locust tree , elm , maple , poplar , oak tree , and willow , as they domiciliate within their cocoon bag .
Yellow Forester Moth Caterpillar
Scientifically classified under Zygaenidae , the Yellow Forester Moth Caterpillar is a vivacious chicken or yellowish - light-green cat commonly found in Alabama . It is grace with wrangle of black Zen along its back and features spiny tuft on both its back and side . Specializing in herbaceous plant , particularly the Carolina laurelcherry , these caterpillars can grow up to 12.5 cm in distance . Their classifiable coming into court includes bright yellow dead body with pronounced black markings along their sides and back .
Tiger Swallowtail Caterpillar
Scientifically recognized as Papilio glaucus , the Tiger Swallowtail Caterpillar is a grim green species with a sleek organic structure , featuring distinctive eye - like markings on each side of its head . Possessing a defense mechanism against birds and little predators , it gambol a unequalled organ on its head resemble a forked ophidian spit , effectively deterring potential threat . Typically residing on black cerise , Carolina ash tree , sugared bay , and green ash tree , this caterpillar can be easily identified by its uncommon optic - similar markings and dark light-green abdomen .
Cecropia Moth Caterpillar
Scientifically identify as Hyalophora cecropia , the CecropiaMoth Caterpillar is an Alabama aborigine characterise by its large , ridged segments adorned with run-in of blue and orange tubercles . The basswood - fleeceable body , complemented by black spike , creates a stunning visual contrast . These vibrant green Caterpillar undergo a noteworthy transformation , develop into beautiful brown moths typically observed between April and June . They are commonly found on ash , birch , box elder , alder , elm , maple , and poplar trees , distinguished by their visible segments feature run-in of blue and yellow fleshy bumps , grim spikes , and numerous orangish tubercles .
Cabbage Looper Caterpillars
Scientifically designate as Trichoplusia ni , the Cabbage Looper Caterpillars are ofttimes sighted in Alabama during the fountain and summer season . Known for their distinctive iteration motion , these voracious creatures have an impressive appetite , devouring up to three times their body weight thrice a mean solar day . develop up to 4 atomic number 96 in length , they feed on a variety of plant , including tomato , soybean , black pepper , and moolah , displaying lime - fleeceable or yellow - greenish dead body . Their remarkable gadget characteristic is the distinctive looping action observed while in motion .
Luna Moth Caterpillar
Scientifically identified as Actias luna , the Luna Moth Caterpillar showcases a lime - green torso adorned with red dot at the rear and clusters of small spines . Distinctively known for advance the front part of its body while in gesture , these caterpillars mainly feed on birch , walnut , hickory , American sweet mucilage , and maple Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree . get up to 9 cm in distance due to their wolfish appetency , they can be acknowledge by their dark-brown head , a outstanding line of hopeful ruddy dit run lengthwise , and three pairs of brown forelegs .
Forest Tent Caterpillars
Scientifically classified as Malacosoma disstria , the Forest Tent Caterpillar is an Alabama native displaying a dark eubstance invest with yellow lines , sidelong downcast dance band , and distinctive white patches . recognisable for its feathery spines along the English , this caterpillar is often sight during the springtime and summer month . Its diet includes willow , oak , birch , elm , and mapletree leaves . Identifiable by its blackish - dark-brown appearance , it feature prominent blue , yellow , and fateful lines hightail it lengthwise along its back .
Zebra Longwing Caterpillar
Scientifically experience as Heliconius charithonia , the Zebra Longwing Caterpillar is a sick - grey species with elongated contraband sarcoid spikes , frequently encountered in Alabama and other Southern United States regions . ornament with ok spines , this caterpillar keep up itself by feed on passionflower vines , roll up toxic substances in its eubstance . The venom swear out as a powerful defense mechanism , imparting a foul discernment to predators .
Long-Tailed Skipper Caterpillar
Scientifically key out as Urbanus proteus , the Long - tail Skipper Caterpillar is a sizable , slug - like cat in vibrant green chromaticity , marked with rings of yellow billet around its segments and a lateral dark-green - yellow line along its back . normally denote to as the bean leafroller , it vaunt a classifiable inglorious spheric chief and showcases orangish normal on its tail . As these caterpillars matured , they transition to a pale immature semblance with the development of pinkish patterns . Typically discover on beans , peas , hog peanut , and wisteria plants , key recognition features include a spherical point , yellow markings , and prominent orange prolegs .
Cloudless Sulphur Caterpillar
Scientifically referred to as Phoebis sennae , the Cloudless Sulphur Caterpillar is a wan greenish species adorned with black raised dots that give rise to bit spines . Soft yellowish prickle envelop both the prolegs and abdomen , while an additional distinctive feature of speech is the pale - yellow streak hightail it along its English . Typically located on Maryland dotty - sore plants , these caterpillars are recognizable by their green bodies adorn with blue - black dots , sluttish xanthous short vertebral column , and a prominent scandalmongering lateral ring along their sides .
White-Marked Tussock Caterpillar
The multicolored soundbox of the White - Marked Tussock Moth Caterpillar ( Orgyia leucostigma ) is enhanced by black tufts that mimic antennae and long white hairs . Its outstanding appearance include an telling red head and red spots around the mid - abaxial region , creating a remarkable sight . Contrasted with scandalmongering stripes , the majority of its body is preponderantly black . While ordinarily found on rosaceous flower petal and other flowers in gardens , it also feeds on fruit and hardwood Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree such as oaks and apples . Despite experiencing multiple outbreaks , these caterpillars eventually succumb to a contractable illness .
Tobacco Hornworm Caterpillar
The Tobacco Hornworm , scientifically known as Manduca sexta , is a lively unripened caterpillar embellished with eyespot markings and distinctive white sloping stripe run along its sides . Growing up to a length of 7 cm , it is characterize by a prominent rear French horn in shade of brown , green , or orangish . know for its dietetical penchant , this caterpillar feed in on the foliage of tobacco , tomato , and eggplant plants . While deal similarity with tomato hornworms , the Tobacco Hornworm stands out with its unequaled diagonal stripes . Its host plants encompass baccy , tomato , capsicum , eggplant , and various decorative shrubs .
Pipevine Swallowtail Caterpillar
The Pipevine Swallowtail Caterpillar , scientifically named Battus philenor , showcases a abstruse chocolate-brown coloration complement by fleshy automobile horn on its head teacher , tail , and side . Standout features include two rows of vivid orange dots along its back , facilitating straightforward designation . This caterpillar , adorned with fine hairs for a velvety texture , can arrive at a length of 5 cm , thanks to its voracious appetite . Thistle flowers and vernonia plants serve as host industrial plant for this metal money .
Imperial Moth Caterpillar
The caterpillar of the Imperial Moth , scientifically identify as Eacles imperialis , features draw out spiky horns on its headspring and a jaggy tail - same protrusion . Displaying a color spectrum ranging from orange - dark-brown to blue chocolate-brown or drab green , it can reach lengths of 7.5 to 10 cm . This caterpillar undergo notable colour transformation , with matured individual adopting a darker and haired appearance , signaling their conversion to the pupation level . Typically located on the foliage of pine , maple , oak , sweetgum , and sassafras , it represent a captivating species at various stages of its growth .
Hickory Horned Devil Caterpillar
The Hickory - Horned Devil , scientifically designated as Citheronia regalis , is an intriguing and non - threatening caterpillar commonly observe in Alabama . sport a bluish - green body aggrandize with curved spiny horn and black tips , it sustains itself by feeding on the leaves of walnut , hickory , pecan , and sweetgum tree diagram . noteworthy for its orangey - carmine head and redoubtable red horns , this sizable insect undergoes a noteworthy metamorphosis , egress as a regal moth after the pupation stagecoach .
Stinging Rose Caterpillar
The Stinging Rose Caterpillar , scientifically identified as Parasa indetermina , is a vibrant and virulent specie distributed along the East Coast from New York to Alabama . Sporting a yellow or orange - red body adorned with delicate bands of over-embellished chevron , it stands out with scraggy car horn - comparable spikes along its back and clustering of spines along its sides . Growing up to 2.5 cm in length , these caterpillars nourish themselves on hickories , oaks , poplars , dogwood , and rose Bush . Handling them should be approached with caution , as their venomous backbone can have pelt irritation .
Spiny Oak Slug Caterpillar
Scientifically known as Euclea delphinii , the Spiny Oak Slug Caterpillar is a graphic and bite caterpillar characterise by jagged spike . Notable feature include four dyad of upward - direct spiked orange French horn , accompany by two orangeness bands adorned with round green and ashen markings along the back . These spikes contain malice that can induce skin irritation . These caterpillars are usually determine on various deciduous trees and shrubs , and they fee on the foliage of a various range of tree diagram let in apple , ash , birch tree , linden tree , oak , maple , poplar , hackberry , beech , blueberry , and more .
Buck Moth Caterpillar
Scientifically identified as Hemileuca maia , the Buck Moth Caterpillar maintain the distinction of being Alabama ’s largest twinge caterpillar . Its imposing coming into court is characterize by a black body adorned with minuscule white back breaker and jagged tufts of spines . Caution is advised when handling these caterpillars , as their prickle carry venom that can cause peel irritation and red . boast a unparalleled round and shiny black head , they primarily course on the leaves of scrub oak , live oak , blackjack oak , and dwarf chestnut oak tree . It ’s advocate to avert direct contact with these crawling insects to prevent unpleasant stings .
Monkey Slug Caterpillars
Scientifically identified as Phobetron pithecium , the Monkey Slug Caterpillar is an unusual brown and blurry cat native to Alabama . Featuring a flattened furry body and nine pairs of distinctive projections along the side of meat , it presents a unique appearance redolent of a deceased hairy wanderer or an cured leaf . forethought is recommend , as it own the capability to sting , and contact without protective gear may result in pain due to its venom . Discovered on various tree diagram including orchard apple tree , ash , birch , dogwood , hickory , oak , walnut , and willow , this diminutive caterpillar supply a distinctive touch to the local environment .
Southern Flannel Caterpillar
The Southern Flannel Caterpillar , commonly referred to as the puss caterpillar , is a furry caterpillar equipped with conceal poisonous spike that can inflict severe sting . Prevalent in the Southern States , particularly on oak andelm tree , it is powerfully recommend to avoid verbatim striking with these larvae to forbid intense pain due to their virulent spines . resemble a Iranian African tea , this caterpillar is also known as asp larvae , alluding to the painful bunko comparable to a snake bite . Scientifically key Megalopyge opercularis , it boasts a brown , furred visual aspect with a broad rounded headway , reaching a duration of up to 2.5 centimetre .
Io Moth Caterpillar
Scientifically identified as Automeris io , the Io Moth Caterpillar is a unripe species equipped with stinging hairsbreadth on its four solidifying of prolegs . expose pale - green tones and stria of pictorial green tufts of tomentum around its abdominal cavity , it is easily recognizable by its distinctive red and white bar along the venter . handle these caterpillars without protective gear can result in a burning ace , unpleasant rashes , and pain sensation . Typically located on hackberry , willow , redbud , pears , andblackberry industrial plant , these creep insects can attain a length of up to 6 cm .
Saddleback Caterpillar
Scientifically doom as Acharia stimulea , the Saddleback Caterpillar is a slug - like caterpillar find in Alabama , have poisonous spikes on its back . Distinguished by a conspicuous saddle - like distinguish on the halfway section , it is easily identify by a hearty green patch and a large brownish circle . grow up to 2.5 cm , its menacing appearing is accentuated by stinging prickle along the abdomen and horns at both end . Discovered on various plant such as Malus pumila , aster , blueberries , corn , citrus , cornel , elms , and grape , caution is strongly recommended when come across this distinctive species .
Milkweed Tiger Caterpillar
Scientifically cognise as Euchaetes egle , the Milkweed Tiger Caterpillar is a diminutive andhairy caterpillardistinguished by colorful tufts of white , sinister , orange , and yellow fuzz . Sporting a typical haired brown body with orangey spiny tufts on the back , it showcases tan - color in tufts on its sides , contributing to its unequaled appearance . Typically receive run on milkweeds and dogbane plants , it is advisable to quash bear on them to forestall potential pelt irritation stimulate by their hairs .
Giant Leopard Caterpillar
Scientifically key out as Hypercompe scribonia , the Giant Leopard Caterpillar is a predominant ignominious , spiky cat found in the southeasterly United States . distinguish by its prominent cerise bands situate between penetrative spines , its fuzzy appearance and spiked body have the potential to make infliction if the spikes perforate human tegument . With a length reaching up to 5 cm , this crawling insect course on a variety of industrial plant , including banana tree , cherry , bread , maples , sunflowers , violets , and willows .
Banded Woolly Bear Caterpillar
Scientifically known as Pyrrharctia Isabella I , the Banded Woolly Bear Caterpillar is a common bleak and chocolate-brown muzzy cat in Alabama . recognisable by the wide of the mark rusty brown band encircle its black torso , it boasts an oblong shape with fuzzy spines , making it challenging to discern the head and tail . Despite its show , these caterpillar are neither stinging nor poisonous . In response to threat , they have a justificatory demeanor of rolling into a ball contour . Typically find on plantain tree , aster , dandelion , goldenrod , and sealed grasses , these crawling animate being showcase distinctive feature with two smutty striation at both end and a brown ring around the middle section .
American Dagger Moth Caterpillar
Scientifically name as Acronicta americana , the American Dagger Moth Caterpillar is a pale yellow moth caterpillar adorned with longsighted black pencil hairs . Recognizable by its fuzzy yellow trunk and glossy black oval head , it possesses spiny hairs that can stimulate pelt irritation and rashes upon contact . Typically discovered on alder , ash , elm , maple , oak , willow , and various hardwood trees , thesefurry caterpillarsshowcase distinctive white-livered feathery spines with two pairs of long pencil tomentum on their spinal column .
Tomato Hornworm Caterpillar
Scientifically designated as Manduca quinquemaculata , the Tomato Hornworm Caterpillar is a vivacious green garden pest adorned with rows of ocellus and typical volt - regulate markings . Noteworthy for its pointed black tail projection , resembling a horn , it exhibits a wolfish appetite for tomato foliage . reach lengths of up to 10 cm , it can be challenging to notice on tomato plants , thanks to its effective leaf camo . To manage plague , chemical discourse are suggested .
White Admiral Caterpillar
Common Pine Sawfly Caterpillar
Scientifically come to to as Diprion pini , the Common Pine Sawfly Caterpillar is a light light-green species mark with ignominious spots on its side and a unmarried black line along its back . Typically located on Scots pines , this caterpillar undergoes a transmutation into a true pine sawfly , a type of wasp , after the pupation stage . Distinctive feature include a hoary red read/write head that transitions to pale yellow and becomes semitransparent in its final maturation stage , featuring fake eyespots before enter pupation .
Eight-Spotted Forester Caterpillar
Scientifically identify as Alypia octomaculata , the Eight - make out Forester Caterpillar is an orange species in Alabama adorned with bleak and ashen grade insignia circle its consistency . Each section features bleak nodule resembling small round back breaker . Noteworthy characteristic include visible feathery spines , four sets of prolegs , and three sets of pointed forelegs . Discovered on grape and Virginia creeper plants , this cat showcases distinctive thick black - spotted orange stripe , tuft of thin spines , and blazing white and black grade insignia .
Queen Butterfly Caterpillar
Scientifically designated as Danaus gilippus , the QueenButterfly Caterpillarfeatures black and white stripes along with distinctive yellow dots on its back and side . remarkable characteristics admit six large fleshy tentacles on both the brain and fag end . pass a distance of up to 5 cm , it substantiate itself by feeding on milkweed , frogfruit , and mistflower plant . placeable by its black and white stripe and yellow dots , this caterpillar undergo a captivating transformation into a beautiful Queen Butterfly .
Black Swallowtail Caterpillar
Scientifically identify as Papilio polyxenes , the Black Swallowtail Caterpillar is a goodly green species found in Alabama , characterized by distinguishable black and yellow stripes around each segment . Unlike sure caterpillar , it does not possess horns , spines , or spike . nurture itself on milkweeds , carrots , dill , parsley , and fennel , its placid body and vivacious color dissemble as a baulk to potential vulture who comprehend it as a potentially grave specie .
Monarch Caterpillar
Scientifically designated as Danaus plexippus , the Monarch Caterpillar is a striped and horned mintage in Alabama , have bright yellow , white , and black colors around its body . Each segment is marked by blatant colourful isthmus , with long black horn on the head and shorter ones on the tail suffice as typical features . accomplish a duration of up to 5 cm , these caterpillars exhibit white dots on the prolegs and black forelegs . single consumer of milkweed plants , they accumulate toxic pith in their body as a defense mechanism .
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