Originally Posted by Crazy8:
didn't know that - always thought the big black fuzzy ones were gypsy moths - we used to get TONS of them in our area when I was younger (now I guess they spray for them??).
Big black fuzzy ones are not gypsy moth caterpillars. They are leopard moth if I recall correctly.
http://www.hiltonpond.org/thisweek020608.html
Gypsy Moth caterpillars are sort of multi-colored.
http://www.ars.usda.gov/is/graphics/...7/k5504-4i.jpg
I almost picked up an Io Moth Caterpillar once and one of the home-schooled kids down the block asked if it was a poisonous caterpillar. I had never heard of a poisonous one but the Io moth one can give a nasty sting like a bee sting.
http://entnemdept.ufl.edu/fasulo/woo...ges/iomoth.jpg
There's a great site for stuff like that - I think it's called name that caterpillar .com I hope it's still around.
Sorry for all the links but I sort of got into this stuff when my son was younger. He was quite the bug nut - and made me one too!
Anyone in NJ just has to go visit Insectropolis! It's awesome!!! We have a link to it on our website and I state that it's not just for boys! Something for everyone there.
http://www.insectropolis.com/