South Carolina is home to a diverse array of caterpillars. These crawling creatures may seem small and insignificant, but they play a vital role in the state’s ecosystems. Learning about South Carolina’s caterpillars provides a glimpse into the natural wonders found in the Palmetto State.
A caterpillar is the larval stage of a moth or butterfly After hatching from an egg, the caterpillar spends its time voraciously eating and growing. Caterpillars molt multiple times as they increase in size When fully grown, the caterpillar forms a pupa or chrysalis to undergo metamorphosis into the winged adult insect.
Caterpillars can be found in a wide variety of shapes, colors, and sizes. Some are plain green or brown to camouflage with plants, while others have vivid stripes, spots, or hairs. Caterpillar bodies are segmented, with 3 pairs of true legs on the thorax and several pairs of prolegs on the abdomen.
These larvae play a crucial role as herbivores that feed on green leaves and vegetation. By consuming plant matter they transfer energy to other animals up the food chain. Caterpillars are also an important source of food for birds wasps, and other predators.
Diversity of South Carolina Caterpillars
With diverse ecoregions including beaches, marshes forests and mountains, South Carolina provides habitats for many types of caterpillars. Over 150 species have been recorded in the state. From common to rare, here are some of the most notable
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Monarch caterpillars feed exclusively on milkweed and have distinctive black, yellow, and white striping. These caterpillars metamorphose into the iconic, migrating Monarch butterflies.
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Luna moth caterpillars are light green with reddish-purple spots and small white dots. As defensive tactics, they can click their mandibles and regurgitate. Their adult moths have long tails and intricate lime-green patterns.
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Tobacco hornworms and tomato hornworms look nearly identical. They are large green caterpillars with white diagonal lines and black dots, getting 3-4 inches long. Their name comes from the horn-like structure on their rear.
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Buck moth caterpillars are covered in stinging spines. They have black and white stripes running along their sides. Their adult moths are dull brown with eye-like spots on each wing.
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Polyphemus moth caterpillars are green with yellow stripes and spots. They become very large gray adult moths up to 6 inches across. This species is one of the most commonly found moths in South Carolina.
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Rosy maple moth caterpillars are distinctively fuzzy and pink with black stripes down their backs. They eat the leaves of red and silver maple trees. The adult moths are pink and yellow with intricate patterns.
Impacts and Interactions
Caterpillars play a complex role in South Carolina’s environment through their impacts on ecosystems and interactions with other species.
Some caterpillars are agricultural pests that can damage crops. For example, the beet armyworm is a native species that feeds in large numbers on plant foliage, notably attacking soybean, cotton, and peanut plants.
Outbreaks of tent caterpillars periodically defoliate trees in South Carolina’s forests. Eastern tent caterpillars build messy silken tents in the branches of cherry and other trees as they feed gregariously.
Many birds rely on caterpillars as a crucial food source, especially during breeding season. Chickadees, warblers, vireos, and flycatchers all forage among leaves for juicy caterpillar prey to feed their chicks. In turn, caterpillars have developed defenses like camouflage, warning colors, bad tastes, and toxic chemicals to avoid predation.
Caterpillars also interact with plants by acting as important pollinators. Some moths gather nectar from flowers, inadvertently transferring pollen between blossoms as they feed at night. Research suggests moths may pollinate over 3,000 plant species worldwide.
Appreciating South Carolina’s Crawling Wonders
From fluffy tentmakers to elaborate sphinx moths, South Carolina’s caterpillars showcase an array of unique wildlife. Next time you see some leaves munched or spot a critter crawling on a plant, take a closer look – it just might be one of these amazing caterpillar species going about its vital role. The diversity of caterpillars is an integral part of South Carolina’s rich natural heritage.
If you are being inundated by furry red-headed caterpillars & fuzzy white cocoons here in the Lowcountry, you’re not alone! These spooky-looking Tussock moth caterpillars have once again taken our South Carolina Sea Islands by storm.
If there’s a live oak tree around, chances are loads of tussock moth caterpillars aren’t too far away either. Tussock moth caterpillars are about an inch or two long with four brush-like tufts and red dots on the back of their bodies. They also have a pair of longer black hairs in front and a red-orange head. Eventually, these furry guys turn into moths but not before they wrap themselves EVERYWHERE around town in white cottony cocoons.
If you come across one of these fierce looking creatures, by all means try to avoid touching it! Although they don’t sting, their hairs can be quite irritating to the skin which can lead to a severe rash which can burn like the devil. If you encounter one and do have an allergic reaction, try applying strips of an adhesive material on the affected area and peel off to remove the hairs. Then, ice it down to reduce the pain and itching.
Tussock Moth Caterpillar spotted in Beaufort, South Carolina – Photo by Ginger Wareham
VIDEO: ‘This is by far the worst’: Parts of Lowcountry overwhelmed by caterpillars
FAQ
What kind of caterpillars are in South Carolina?
Zebra swallowtail, Eastern swallowtail, spice bush swallowtail, black swallowtail, palomides swallowtail – all of each of these species of butterfly has its primary, of not sole, larval food plant.
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.
Are white fuzzy caterpillars poisonous in South Carolina?
This Canadian native can be found throughout New England and as far south as the Carolinas. Although it may look cute and harmless, the fuzzy hairs on this caterpillar contain venom and can cause an itchy rash if touched.
How painful is a saddleback caterpillar sting?
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Pain:The sting is characterized by immediate, intense pain that can be described as a burning sensation.
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Spines:Saddleback caterpillars have spines that contain venom, which is released when the spines break off and embed in the skin upon contact.
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Symptoms:Besides pain, symptoms can include a rash, swelling, and in some cases, nausea.
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Severity:Reactions can vary in severity, with some people experiencing mild irritation while others may require medical attention.
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Treatment:Wash the area with soap and water, apply ice to reduce pain, and use tape to remove any remaining spines. The Florida Poison Information Center recommends contacting a physician if allergic reactions develop
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Stinging caterpillars don’t sting with a stinger the way wasps or bees do, they have stinging hairs called urticating hairs.
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Place Scotch tape over the affected area and strip off repeatedly to remove spines. Apply ice packs to reduce the stinging sensation, and follow with a paste of baking soda and water.