Black and white caterpillars are a common sight in many parts of North America. While the coloration may seem simple, there are actually dozens of different species that feature this distinct look.
In this article, we’ll take a close look at some of the most frequently encountered black and white caterpillars, how to identify them, their habits and host plants We’ll also touch on any risks they may pose and how to manage them if they become a nuisance.
Overview of Black and White Caterpillars
Caterpillars with black and white banding or spots are found throughout the Eastern, Southern and Western parts of the United States. They feed on a wide variety of trees, shrubs and agricultural crops before transforming into moths and butterflies.
While many species are harmless, some black and white caterpillars have stinging or urticating hairs that can cause skin irritation, especially in sensitive individuals However, there are no known cases of systemic allergic reactions
When present in large numbers, certain species like the yellow-striped armyworm can damage crops and ornamental plants But in most cases, natural predators and parasites keep populations in check
Common Black and White Caterpillar Species
Some of the most frequently encountered black and white caterpillars include:
Hickory Tussock Moth
The hickory tussock moth (Lophocampa caryae) feeds on hickory, walnut, pecan and other hardwood trees. It is covered in thick black and white hairs that can cause skin rashes. The caterpillars are seen in mid to late summer and sometimes defoliate branches.
Zebra Longwing
Zebra longwing caterpillars (Heliconius charithonia) eat passionflower vines. They are black and white in early instars then develop red spots. The hairs cause minor irritation. This species mimics the appearance of the adult butterfly.
Cross-striped Cabbageworm
Cross-striped cabbageworms (Evergestis rimosalis) are major pests of cabbage and other brassica crops. They are greenish-black with yellow stripes and bands. During outbreaks, entire leaves can be consumed.
Hickory Tussock Moth
The hickory tussock moth caterpillar (Lophocampa caryae) is a fuzzy black and white species that feeds on the leaves of hickory, pecan, walnut, and other deciduous trees. The hairs can cause skin irritation.
Walnut Caterpillar
As the name suggests, walnut caterpillars (Datana integerrima) feed on the leaves of walnut and hickory trees. Early instars are black with white hairs and bands. Older larvae lose the bands and are mostly black.
Yellow-striped Armyworm
The yellow-striped armyworm (Spodoptera ornithogalli) damages many crops and plants including corn, potatoes, and beans. Outbreaks may require insecticide treatment. It has yellow and black stripes alternating with white.
American Dagger Moth
American dagger moth caterpillars (Acronicta americana) have black tufts of hair on a white or gray body. They feed on trees like oak, maple, birch, and willow. The hairs cause a stinging rash if handled.
Io Moth
Io moth caterpillars (Automeris io) are covered in branched black spines against a yellow-green body with white and red stripes. The spines can embed in skin and cause intense pain. They feed on many trees and shrubs.
As you can see, the types of plants fed on and potential risks vary greatly, making identification important.
Identifying Black and White Caterpillars
Here are some tips for identifying black and white caterpillars:
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Note exactly where the caterpillar was found and on what plant. This can instantly narrow it down.
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Examine the body closely with a hand lens. Look for key features like spines, fine hairs, stripes, bands, spots, etc.
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Young and old caterpillars of the same species may look different. Early instars are often solid black or white.
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Check online caterpillar identification guides and enter the host plant, location, markings, and other specifics to get possible matches.
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Consult an expert at your local extension office if you are having trouble getting an exact ID. Proper identification is key to management.
Manage Black and White Caterpillars
Most black and white caterpillars do not require control as they cause little harm and are controlled naturally. But options for the handful of damaging species include:
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Hand picking – For light infestations, manually remove and kill caterpillars. Wear gloves to avoid irritation.
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Natural insecticides – Products containing Bt or spinosad can be effective and safe around beneficial insects.
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Conventional insecticides – For heavy crop damage, synthetic insecticides may be needed for species like armyworms.
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Protect host plants – Row covers or netting can exclude pests from vegetable gardens and small trees.
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Tolerate some damage – Most trees and shrubs can tolerate partial defoliation, so control is often unnecessary.
Proper identification, monitoring, and using selective methods when required are key to successfully managing black and white caterpillars. Their interesting behaviors and transformations into beautiful moths make them welcome guests in most landscapes.
Hickory Tussock / Hickory Tiger
The Hickory Tussock (Lophocampa caryae), is a type of tiger moth that is a member of the Erebidae family of Lepidoptera. The caterpillars are visually distinctive, with tufts of white and black hairs (setae) and black warts on their bodies. Their bristlelike hairs can cause a rash in sensitive individuals (see Tussock Caterpillars). The caterpillars feed on a wide variety of hardwood trees, including hickory, pecan, walnut, American hornbeam, ash, elm, oak and willow. According to the Maine Forest Service, their preferred hosts here in Maine are birch, quaking aspen, basswood and black locust. They will also feed heavily on sumac. Additional hosts, according to BugGuide.net, include hops, Virginia creeper, raspberry, rose, and blueberry. Their populations were noticeably elevated in Maine in 2011 and again in 2024.
Hickory tussock eggs are laid in large batches, so clusters of early instars of 100 or more are not uncommon, and so occasionally they may defoliate an entire tree but in general do little harm to the forest. As the caterpillars near full size, they begin to wander, and as a result–during years when their populations are especially high–people are even more likely to encounter them.
When the caterpillars are ready to spin their cocoons in the fall, they spin them using the leaf litter and their own hairs (as other tiger moths do as well). Thus, their cocoons are also capable of causing a rash whenever people come into contact with them, so as the Maine Forest Service points out, use caution when raking leaves following a season when these caterpillar populations have been high.
Watch Out For Poisonous Black and White Caterpillars – What The Fox?
FAQ
What caterpillar is black and white?
Summary. Hickory tussock moth caterpillars are fuzzy, white and black caterpillars that are often very apparent in the fall, sometimes in large numbers.
Is it okay to touch woolly bear caterpillars?
Although some caterpillars have stinging hairs which can be quite painful to the touch, woolly bears are safe to touch.
What does the woolly bear caterpillar symbolize?
Those colored bands are behind the legend that woolly bear caterpillars can tell us how bad of a winter we are in for. As the story goes, the longer the black bands at either end of the caterpillar are, the snowier and colder the winter will be, according to the National Weather Service.
What does a black woolly bear caterpillar turn into?
Even though there is great interest in its caterpillar stage, very few people know what it grows up to be. Each fuzzy, 1½ inch caterpillar becomes an Isabella Tiger Moth. After wintering in its chosen spot, the caterpillar awakens on a warm spring day and continues to feed.