My brother and I used to search high and low for caterpillars in the fall. We found a lot of woolly bears hiding in and around wood stacks as my parents always heated our home with wood. And sometimes we would come across other interesting caterpillars.
More often than not our finds would be harmless, but occasionally, our interactions with certain caterpillars would cause a rash and some swelling. One instance I remember vividly was a massive rash my brother ended up with that covered the length of his forearm.
We were thrilled to find a fluffy white caterpillar with a black stripe down its back. Hayden spotted it and so he was first to touch it. He picked it up and allowed it to crawl from his hand along his arm to almost his elbow. As the caterpillar neared his elbow, he noticed a rash forming along the caterpillar’s trail and flicked it off. Ten minutes later, the caterpillar’s trail was marked by a bright red rash and noticeable swelling. That was the last time we played with fuzzy white and black caterpillars.
It’s best to be cautious when you spot hairy or bristled caterpillars because there are venomous and non-venomous varieties found in Ohio that can cause injury. You should only handle them if you are able to correctly identify the caterpillar and know it poses no threat.
As an avid naturalist and blogger living in Ohio, I am always fascinated by the diversity of insect life that can be found right here in the Buckeye State. One type of insect that we see a lot of during the spring and summer months are caterpillars. I wanted to provide an overview of some of the most common caterpillars spotted in Ohio, along with tips on how to identify them.
Why Are There So Many Different Types of Caterpillars in Ohio?
With its mix of forests, fields, wetlands, and urban areas, Ohio offers a diverse range of plant life and habitats. This wide variety of host plants is key to supporting so many different caterpillar species. For example, caterpillars that feed on cherry trees are unlikely to be found in the same areas as those that rely on milkweed.
The fact that Ohio has warmer southern regions and cooler northern areas also allows more species to thrive here compared to states with more extreme climates. Overall, the state’s range of environments, vegetation, and weather makes it a hotspot for caterpillar diversity.
How to Safely Identify Caterpillars in Ohio
It’s exciting to come across colorful, fuzzy, or uniquely patterned caterpillars when out and about in Ohio. However, you need to be cautious, as some species have stinging hairs or spines that can cause irritation. Here are some tips for safely viewing and identifying caterpillars
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Use a camera to take pictures whenever possible, avoiding direct handling.
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If you must handle a caterpillar, use gloves or a leaf to pick it up gently.
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Don’t rub your eyes after touching caterpillars, and wash your hands thoroughly.
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Learn to recognize the warning signs of potentially irritating species, like furry coats, long spikes, and bright colors.
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Use field guides or online resources to ID your caterpillar observations after the fact.
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Teach children not to touch caterpillars without adult supervision.
Taking some basic precautions will allow you to safely observe and appreciate the wonderful variety of caterpillars found in the state.
Most Common Caterpillar Species Spotted in Ohio
From colorful fuzzballs to spikes hornworms, here are 12 of the most frequently sighted caterpillar species in Ohio:
1. Monarch Caterpillar
The black, white, and yellow striped monarch caterpillar feeds solely on milkweed plants. These caterpillars are common sights in fields and gardens statewide.
2. Red-spotted Purple
Found in woodlands, this green caterpillar has blue-tinted white dots along its back. It feeds on the leaves of cherry, poplar, and willow trees.
3. Giant Swallowtail
A large green caterpillar with black bands and orange spots. It has a foul smelling organ behind its head. Feeds on prickly ash and citrus trees.
4. Woollybear
These fuzzy black and brown caterpillars are a familiar fall sight as they search for overwintering spots. They do not sting and eat a variety of plants.
5. Buck Moth
This small green and brown caterpillar has striking tufts of black spikes running down its back. Often found on oak trees.
6. Hickory Tussock
Easily recognized by its black and white tufted hairs. The hairs can cause skin irritation. Feeds on many trees including hickory and walnut.
7. Eastern Tent
A social species that builds large silken nests in cherry and apple trees. Caterpillars are blue, white, black, and orange in color.
8. Luna Moth
Pale yellow-green caterpillar with red and yellow dots along the sides. Feeds on walnut, birch, maple and other deciduous trees.
9. Cecropia Moth
Ohio’s largest native caterpillar species, up to 4 inches long! Green with yellow and blue knobs on the body. Eats maple, cherry, birch leaves.
10. Fall Webworm
Makes messy web tents in the branches of walnut, pecan and other trees in late summer. Caterpillars are pale yellow or tan with dark stripes.
11. Cabbage White
The pale green imported cabbageworm is the bane of veggie gardeners statewide! Loves feeding on broccoli, kale and other brassicas.
12. Polyphemus Moth
Feeds on a wide variety of trees and shrubs. Green caterpillar with yellow stripes and red and yellow bumps on its back.
Stinging hairs and bristles
Some fuzzy caterpillars use their hair, bristles or both as defense mechanisms and cause caterpillar dermatitis in one of two ways. The first way is when hairs or bristles puncture the skin and break off to cause mechanical injury via a rash and swelling like my brother experienced when he came into contact with the hickory tussock moth caterpillar. The second way they cause dermatitis is when hairs and bristles that puncture the skin and inject venom.
Ohio Caterpillars
FAQ
Are there any poisonous caterpillars in Ohio?
Limacodid slug caterpillars aren’t the only venomous moth caterpillars found in Ohio that shouldn’t be handled.
What are the green and brown caterpillars in Ohio?
Tobacco Hornworm and Tomato Hornworm Larvae
Both caterpillars are green, occasionally with a brown or black tinge, and will reach a length of four inches. Food plants of both larvae include tobacco, tomato, eggplant, pepper, potato, and related weeds.
How do I identify my caterpillar?
Look for distinct physical features if the caterpillar has any. Check to see if the caterpillar has a curled tail, head horns, knobs, lashes, spines, or a split tail. These can all be good indicators for certain caterpillar species and will help you narrow down your search rather quickly.
Why do I have hundreds of caterpillars in my yard?
Frequent rains have created lush lawns that are ideal for lawn pests, especially caterpillars. Caterpillars have voracious appetites and provide a free mowing service for unsuspecting homeowners.