Hickory Tussock Moth Caterpillar

I've noticed a lot of fuzzy white caterpillars in the neighborhood recently and did a little research to associate the caterpillar with the butterfly/moth.

This is the caterpillar stage of the Hickory Tussock Moth (Lophocampa caryae). This white caterpillar may look cute and fuzzy, but contact with the hairs on this caterpillar can cause a poison ivy-like rash. The hairs are microscopically barbed and may cause serious medical complications if they are transferred from the hands to the eyes.



If you have the misfortune of being stung, you can use tape to remove some of the broken spines in the affected area. Follow by washing the area thoroughly with soap and water in order to remove some of the remaining venom.