Caterpillars of the Southeast

The forests, fields, and backyards of the Southeast are home to an incredible variety of caterpillars. These tiny creatures are not only fascinating to watch but also play an important role in the ecosystem as future butterflies and moths. Each species comes with its own unique colors, patterns, and behaviors that make them stand out. Here are some of the most common and interesting caterpillars you may encounter in the South East.

Eastern Tiger Swallowtail Caterpillar

This caterpillar may look intimidating at first glance. Young ones resemble bird droppings, a clever disguise to avoid predators. As they grow older, they turn bright green with eye like spots on their thorax, giving the impression of a small snake. Later, they transform into the beautiful Eastern Tiger Swallowtail butterfly, a frequent visitor in southern gardens.

Spicebush Swallowtail Caterpillar

Closely related to the Eastern Tiger Swallowtail, this species also has striking snake like markings. Bright green with large false eyes, the Spicebush Swallowtail caterpillar makes its home on spicebush plants and sassafras trees. Its unique camouflage is one of the best natural defenses against hungry birds.

Luna Moth Caterpillar

The Luna Moth caterpillar is a chunky green crawler often seen on walnut, hickory, and sweetgum trees. It grows large and has red spots running along its sides. By fall, it cocoons and becomes the iconic Luna Moth, with pale green wings and long tails that make it one of the most stunning moths in North America.

Io Moth Caterpillar

The Io Moth caterpillar is easy to recognize thanks to its bright green body covered with clusters of spines. These spines are more than decoration, they can deliver a painful sting if touched. Despite their prickly nature, they eventually turn into the Io Moth, a medium-sized moth with striking eye spots on its hind wings.

Hickory Horned Devil

The Hickory Horned Devil is one of the largest and most dramatic caterpillars in the Southeast. Its turquoise green body is covered with orange-red horns that look fearsome but are harmless. This gentle giant later becomes the Royal Walnut Moth, an equally impressive insect with rich rusty colored wings.

Woolly Bear Caterpillar

Perhaps the most famous caterpillar of them all, the Woolly Bear is fuzzy with black and rust colored bands. Folklore says that the width of the bands predicts the severity of winter. Woolly Bears eventually transform into the Isabella/Eastern Tiger Moths.

Tussock Moth Caterpillars

There are several types of tussock moth caterpillars in the Southeast, but they share a few traits: tufts of hair, bright colors, and a slightly bristly look. Many of them can cause skin irritation if handled, so it is best to admire them without touching.

Conclusion

Caterpillars in the South are as diverse as the landscapes they live in. From the fierce-looking Hickory Horned Devil to the delicate Spicebush Swallowtail, each one has its own role in the cycle of life. The next time you walk through the woods or check the leaves in your backyard, take a closer look—you may just discover one of these fascinating creatures preparing for its transformation.