Is that tiny piece of fuzz moving? Floridians, brace yourself — its the return of the tussock moth caterpillar.
These hairy critters are lurking around common outdoor hangouts, such as local parks, playgrounds and picnic tables. State health and school officials have put out their annual warning for residents to stay away, as their hair can cause a harmful reaction.
Florida is home to a diverse variety of caterpillars due to its subtropical climate. From fuzzy and colorful larvae to strange looking horned caterpillars, there is an abundance of these crawling insects in the Sunshine State.
Overview of Caterpillars in Florida
Caterpillars are the larval stage of butterflies and moths before they form a chrysalis and transform into winged adults They hatch from eggs laid by female moths and butterflies and feed voraciously on leaves and foliage before pupating
There are over 170 species of caterpillars in Florida feeding on native trees, shrubs and ornamental plants. The warm humid climate allows caterpillars to be active year-round unlike northern states where they mostly emerge in spring and summer.
Some of the most common types of caterpillars in Florida include silkworms, swallowtails, woolly bears, and prominent moths. They exhibit a range of colors, patterns, and body types from smooth to extremely hairy.
While most caterpillars are harmless, Florida is also home to some stinging varieties such as the saddleback, buck moth, and io moth larvae which can cause irritation and swelling if handled. Proper identification is important to distinguish dangerous species.
Identification of Common Caterpillars in Florida
Identifying caterpillars correctly ensures you can take precautions around dangerous varieties. Here are some of the most common caterpillars in Florida and how to identify them:
Swallowtail Caterpillars
- Eastern tiger swallowtail – Green with false eye spots on head and diagonal yellow stripes. Grows over 2 inches long.
- Spicebush swallowtail – Green with fake eye markings and blue spots. Grows to 2 inches.
- Palamedes swallowtail – Green with yellow stripes mimicking a tree frog. 2 inch length.
- Pipevine swallowtail – Black with red spots and small horns on head and rear. 2 inch size.
Silkmoth Caterpillars
- Polyphemus moth – Light green with red and silver bumps on segments. Grows over 3 inches.
- Luna moth – Pale green with red dots on sides and brown legs. Grows up to 3.5 inches.
- Imperial moth – Green, brown or orange with spikes and horns. Can reach 5 inches long.
Common Woolly Bear Caterpillars
- Banded woolly bear – Black at both ends with a wide rusty brown band in the middle.
- Hickory tussock moth – Black and white hairy caterpillar with long black tufts at head and tail.
- Isabella tiger moth – Covered in bright yellow hairs with black tufts. Around 2 inches long.
Dangerous Stinging Caterpillars
- Io moth – Pale green with red and white stripes and painful sting. Grows over 2 inches.
- Saddleback caterpillar – Brown and green with painful sting from spines on body. 1 inch long.
- Puss caterpillar – Orange and gray with extremely toxic sting. Can reach 1.5 inches long.
Life Cycle of Caterpillars in Florida
The full life cycle of caterpillars in Florida takes between 2-3 weeks on average. The stages are:
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Egg – Laid by female moths on the underside of leaves. Takes 4-10 days to hatch depending on species.
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Larva/Caterpillar – Emerges from egg and feeds on foliage. Sheds exoskeleton several times as it grows, going through 5-6 instars over 2-3 weeks.
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Pupa/Chrysalis – During this dormant phase, the caterpillar transforms into the adult moth/butterfly within 1-2 weeks.
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Adult – Emerges from pupa once transformation into winged adult is complete. Lives for several weeks, mating and laying hundreds of eggs.
The entire life cycle lasts 6-8 weeks. In warmer climates like Florida, there can be several generations per year. Caterpillars are most active in spring and summer.
Impact of Caterpillars on Florida’s Ecosystem
While some species like gypsy moth and fall armyworm larvae can cause extensive damage, most caterpillars play an important role in Florida’s ecosystem. Benefits include:
- Pollination by adult moths and butterflies. Many have co-evolved with native plants.
- Food source for birds, small mammals, and beneficial insects. Part of forest and meadow food webs.
- Nutrient cycling from leaves chewed and excreted as frass fertilizer.
- Indicators of habitat health. Sensitive to environmental changes.
However, invasive caterpillars or population explosions of native species can damage agricultural crops, gardens, and trees. Proper identification and monitoring helps manage harmful outbreaks.
Overall, caterpillars are diverse and essential components of Florida’s subtropical habitats. Their role shifts dramatically as they transform from voracious larvae to graceful, winged adults that perpetuate ecosystems.
What are tussock moth caterpillars?
According to the Florida Museum of Natural History, the tussock moth caterpillar is a potentially harmful insect with a hairy and colorful body. They are generally dark bodied with a red head, 2 black “hair pencils” projecting forward like antennae, 4 dense tufts of hair (tussocks) on the back, and a fluffy tuft projecting to the rear like a tail.
They hatch from eggs in late February or early March, and by early April, they mature and disperse cocoons. They then feed and grow over a period of 4 to 6 weeks.
Typically dispersed on homes, park benches, and other outside articles, UF experts advise their cocoons are hard to remove.
Are tussock moth caterpillars native to Florida?
They are occasionally abundant and widespread throughout northcentral Florida. As per University of Floridas Department of Entomology, there are three species of this insect found throughout the state:
- The fir tussock moth – orange-colored spots along the back and sides
- The white-marked tussock moth – Lighter body color and yellow spots
- The definite tussock moth – yellow or tan head to go with its pale body, hair pencils and tussocks
“Of the three, the fir tussock moth is the most common in Florida, with the white-marked tussock moth following as a close second. The definite tussock moth is very rare,” The Museum writes.
Florida officials warn of fuzzy caterpillars that leave stinging rashes
FAQ
What is the most common caterpillar in Florida?
- Eastern Tiger Swallowtail Caterpillar (Papilio glaucus):
- Gulf Fritillary Caterpillar (Agraulis vanillae):
- Cabbage White Caterpillar (Pieris rapae):
- Io Moth Caterpillar (Automeris io):
Are there any poisonous caterpillars in Florida?
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Puss Caterpillar:
- Also known as the larval stage of the native southern flannel moth.
- Has venomous barbs hidden in its hair-like bristles that can cause a burning and itching sensation on human skin.
- Found in states between New Jersey and Florida, and as far west as Texas.
- The puss caterpillar is one of the most venomous caterpillars in the U.S.
- Also known as the larval stage of the native southern flannel moth.
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Tussock Moth Caterpillars:
- Are hairy, colorful insects that can be found in northcentral Florida.
- Not poisonous or venomous, but their hair can irritate the skin.
- There are three species of tussock moth caterpillars in Florida: fir tussock moth, white-marked tussock moth, and definite tussock moth.
- Are hairy, colorful insects that can be found in northcentral Florida.
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General Safety Tips:
- As a general rule of safety, any brightly colored caterpillars with spines, bristles, or a fuzzy appearance might be venomous and should not be touched.
- It’s difficult to prevent stings since they often feed on the underside of leaves, making them hard to see.
- If stung, wash the area immediately to remove any loose spines and allow it to air dry.
- Remaining spines can be removed with an adhesive such as duct tape.
- As a general rule of safety, any brightly colored caterpillars with spines, bristles, or a fuzzy appearance might be venomous and should not be touched.
What are the fuzzy caterpillars appearing all over Florida this year?
If you live in Florida and have been near oak trees this spring, you may have noticed a lot of fuzzy hairy caterpillars. These insects are the larvae of tussock moths, which are native to North America and common in Florida.
How long does caterpillar season last in Florida?
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Tussock Moth Caterpillars:
- They hatch from eggs in late spring, after the eggs are laid in the winter.
- Caterpillars mature and disperse to spin cocoons in early April.
- They feed on foliage throughout the summer.
- They pupate in late summer to early fall.
- Adult moths emerge after pupation, completing the life cycle.
- Seasonality: Caterpillars are most active during the months of May and June.
- Pupation: The larvae become pupae in late June on into July and remain in this stage for 1 to 2 weeks.
- Adult Emergence: Adults emerge in late June through the middle part of July and can persist into August.
- They hatch from eggs in late spring, after the eggs are laid in the winter.
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Other Caterpillars:
- Caterpillars can be found year-round in Florida due to the state’s warm and humid climate.
- Certain times of the year may see an increase in caterpillar activity, particularly during the spring and summer months.
- Caterpillars can be found year-round in Florida due to the state’s warm and humid climate.
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Buck Moth Caterpillars:
- Caterpillars are abundant between April and May and pupate from late April to June.
- Adults fly and mate during warm days in November and December.
- Caterpillars are abundant between April and May and pupate from late April to June.
Are caterpillars poisonous in Florida?
Identifying caterpillars in Florida can help to know which species of caterpillars are poisonous and which are harmless. Caterpillars are the larvae of moths and butterflies. Caterpillars hatch from eggs and develop into worm-like crawling insects with four sets of prolegs, six forelegs, and a segmented body.
What are the 9 species of caterpillars in Florida?
The 9 species of caterpillars in Florida that we look at in this list are the tiger swallowtail caterpillar, redhumped caterpillar, cecropia moth caterpillar, hag caterpillar, puss caterpillar, red admiral caterpillar, saddleback caterpillar, tussock moth caterpillar, and buck moth caterpillar. 1. Tiger swallowtail caterpillar
What are the cutest caterpillars in Florida?
Rosy Maple Moths are undoubtedly the cutest caterpillars in Florida! Even those uninterested in insects will love them. They’re common and fairly easy to find, too. These bright caterpillars spend time in deciduous forests and suburban and urban areas.
Where do caterpillars grow in Florida?
Regions with dense foliage, such as the Everglades and the panhandle, host the highest number of caterpillars in the state. Tampa Bay and Miami also teem with these insects, especially in lush suburban gardens. Central Florida is another hotbed, its climate favoring caterpillar development.
Which caterpillars eat grass in Florida?
One of the common caterpillars that feed on grass in Florida is the Fiery Skipper caterpillar (Hylephila phyleus). This pink caterpillar is known to feed on Bermuda grass and St. Augustine grass, often leading people to consider turf pest control.
When do longtail caterpillars emerge in Florida?
Image by Andrei Sourakov via inaturalist Caterpillars of this genus (Thorybes dorantes) emerge in the spring after adults spend the entire winter in an inactive mode. Doranted Longtail caterpillars are found all over Florida, in Eastern US states as well as in California. In Florida, there are up to 4 broods per year.