Eastern Tent Caterpillar
At LOOP NOLA, we experience all outdoor seasons — including caterpillar season. We teach all of our students that it’s important to respect the environment, and that includes caterpillars. We are writing on this topic today to help folks learn the difference between harmless caterpillars and stinging caterpillars. We hope this helps you enjoy spring in the outdoors!
New Orleans is known for its warm climate, lush greenery, and diverse wildlife. Among the many fascinating creatures that inhabit the city, caterpillars are one of the most interesting. Caterpillars are the larval stage of butterflies and moths, and they come in a wide variety of shapes, sizes, and colors. In this blog post, we will explore 7 common caterpillars found in New Orleans, both stinging and non-stinging.
7 Common Caterpillars in New Orleans
* Click on images for links to original pictures*
Eastern Tent Caterpillar
The Eastern Tent Caterpillar is a non-stinging caterpillar that is commonly found in New Orleans. It is named after the tent-like structures that it creates by weaving together leaves and silk. The caterpillars typically feed on the leaves of cherry, apple, and other fruit trees. They are easy to spot, with their hairy bodies and distinctive blue and white markings
Black Swallowtail Caterpillar
The Black Swallowtail Caterpillar is a non-stinging caterpillar that is found in New Orleans and throughout the eastern United States. It is named after the black wings and swallow-like tail of the adult butterfly. The caterpillar is black with white stripes and yellow spots. It feeds on the leaves of plants in the carrot family, including parsley, dill, and fennel
Puss Caterpillar
The Puss Caterpillar is a stinging caterpillar that is found in New Orleans and other parts of the southern United States. It is also known as the asp caterpillar, the southern flannel moth caterpillar, and the tree asp. The caterpillar is covered in long, dense hairs that are venomous and can cause a painful sting. It is important to avoid touching this caterpillar if you see it
Buck Moth Caterpillar
The Buck Moth Caterpillar is a stinging caterpillar that is found in New Orleans and throughout the southeastern United States. It is also known as the Hickory Tussock Moth Caterpillar. The caterpillar is covered in long, spiky hairs that are venomous and can cause a painful sting. The caterpillar feeds on a variety of trees, including oak, hickory, and pecan
Io Moth Caterpillar
The Io Moth Caterpillar is a stinging caterpillar that is found in New Orleans and other parts of the southeastern United States. It is also known as the stinging caterpillar, the buck caterpillar, and the wooly worm. The caterpillar is covered in long, soft hairs that are venomous and can cause a painful sting. It is important to avoid touching this caterpillar if you see it
White-marked Tussock Moth Caterpillar
The White-marked Tussock Moth Caterpillar is a non-stinging caterpillar that is found in New Orleans and throughout the eastern United States. It is named after the white tufts of hair on its body. The caterpillar feeds on a variety of trees, including oak, maple, and elm. It is easy to spot, with its black and white stripes and tufts of white hair
Saddleback Caterpillar
The Saddleback Caterpillar is a stinging caterpillar that is found in New Orleans and other parts of the eastern United States. It is also known as the Acharia Stimulea. The caterpillar is covered in spines that are venomous and can cause a painful sting. It is important to avoid touching this caterpillar if you see it
New Orleans is home to a broad range of caterpillars, both stinging and non-stinging. While some caterpillars can be harmful if touched, others are harmless and even beneficial to the ecosystem. It is important to know the difference between the two both to avoid a painful sting and to appreciate the rich diversity of our local critters.
