photoartflightHickory Tussock Moth Caterpillar
We were taking a walk at the Plainsboro Preserve just to get some exercise so I was only using my iPhone 11Pro for images. We came upon this interesting looking caterpillar on the path. I had never seen one of these caterpillars before. It had a very sharp spikey hairs on the body and looked like a very interesting photo subject. The hickory tussock is the caterpillar of the Hickory Tussock moth (Lophocampa Caryae) which lives in the Eastern half of North America. Eggs are usually laid in May and June on a variety of trees including hickory, walnut, ash, elm, maple and oak. By late summer and early fall the white hairy caterpillars are fairly easy to spot against green foliage. It is covered with white setae or hairs, and a line of black ones runs down its back. It also has four small clusters of longer black setae; two at the front and two at the back, called pencils. If you come upon one DO NOT TOUCH THEM! Touching them would be very painful! All images were taken with my iPhone 11 Pro with the 4.3mm lens & 195mm Digital zoom for a focal length 35mm equivalent of 51mm.
If you come upon one of these do not touch them! Touching them would be very painful!
photoartflight 
Pretty but not a good idea to pet them. Those setae can cause pain if touched.
Yes! I meant to add that touching them would be very painful! Thanks for adding that!
Yes! I meant to add that touching them would be very painful! Thanks for adding that!
Interesting fellow!
Yes! It is an interesting caterpillar to photograph!
A very cool caterpillar, and a wise warning about touching them.
I photographed this caterpillar in a northern NJ yard 14 years ago. I have been wondering what it was ever since! They could not even identify it at the American Museum of Natural History’s bug ID day (the lady was more into beetles). I sincerely thank you for solving the mystery!
You are very welcome!! Sorry for the delayed response! I fractured my ankle and was in rehab for over a month plus.
Sorry for the delayed response. I broke my ankle and had to have a bunch of screws put in and was in a series of rehab at various locations for months. I still can not walk on it. Glad I solved the ID of your bug image!!