Caterpillars of Georgia

Unicorn Caterpillar

• Unicorn caterpillars take their name from the prominent spike that sits on top of the front end of its body. They are common in Georgia and other southeastern states, but are also found in varying numbers in several locations around the U.S. True unicorn caterpillars are a shade of mottled brown along most of their body, with a patch of bright green in a saddle-like shape near the front of its body. These caterpillars are sometimes confused with false-unicorn caterpillars, which have the same horn-like growth, but a much darker coloring.

Walnut Caterpillar

• This caterpillar has a distinctive look about it thanks to its long white fur contrasting with its black body. They are common throughout the eastern United States and have become an enormous pest to forestry workers and horticulturalists whose plants are damaged by them. Large groups of walnut caterpillars heavily deforest the walnut, hickory and butternut trees, which gives the caterpillar its name. They lay clusters of spherical white eggs on the undersides of leaves, which hatch out, destroying the tree's canopy.

Variable Oak Leaf Caterpillar

• Common in the deciduous forests of Georgia, these caterpillars are a glossy brown color for most of their length with a greenish translucent head. Variable Oak Leaf Caterpillars lay large, spherical eggs, which are glossy white at first but develop a small red band as the embryo develops within. As its name suggests, the caterpillar prefers oak trees, but has been found on a number of deciduous specimens, including American elm and paper birch. Most of these trees can withstand large levels of foliage destruction before succumbing; however, variable oak leaf caterpillar infestations have been known to kill trees.

Azalea Caterpillar

• One of the more exotic looking caterpillars to appear in Georgia is the azalea caterpillar. These caterpillars feast almost exclusively on the plant, which gives them their name, and they have been known to destroy large azalea plants. Azalea caterpillars are characterized by a red segment at either end and bright red feet. They also have contrasting bright green and black stripes on their bodies. Generally uncommon, azalea caterpillars feed in groups, so if you see one there are likely to be others close by. When threatened, the caterpillar will raise its head and posterior simultaneously.