Hobbies And Interests
Possible Identification
Moths include Catapulta sphinx, Hickory tussock, Eastern buckmoth, Surge hawkmoth, Bedstraw hawkmoth and fall webworm, which all were once black-and-white spotted caterpillars. The American painted lady butterfly is the only butterfly that transformed from a black-and-white spotted caterpillar unless you are in Mexico or Florida, where the zebra longwing butterfly fits the description.
Differences
For clearer identification, determine if the caterpillar is hairy or smooth. A smooth caterpillar generally identifies it as a butterfly larvae and a hairy caterpillar as moth larvae. Observe how the spots are proportioned. Determine if some of the spots are bigger or smaller and if both sizes are present on the caterpillar. Other identification clues include the location of the caterpillar and its host plant.
Safety First
Many butterfly larvae are poisonous. For example, a Hickory tussock moth or its caterpillar should not be touched. If you touch them, you can develop an allergic reaction that causes red and itchy skin.
Ermine Moth
The Bird-cherry Ermine Moth (Yponomeuta evonymella) has a caterpillar with small black-and-white spots. This caterpillar forms webs that defoliate the tree and spread to neighboring plants. The Orchard Ermine (Yponomeuta padella) moth has caterpillars that form webs on hawthorn and blackthorn. Typically, the trees recover from infestations by these caterpillars.