Category: Skeletonizing

Hickory Tussock Moth Caterpillar

Hickory Tussock Moths (Lophocampa caryae) are native to northeastern North America down to North Carolina and a few even wander to Texas and down into Mexico. These photos are their larvae, their caterpillars.

Hickory Tussock Moths have just one generation per year. Eggs are laid in clusters of 100 or beyond, on the undersides of the leaves of their preferred trees, Hickory, Walnut, Pecan, and American Hornbeam but other trees are chosen as well. These young caterpillars feed together as a “crew” skeletonizing the leaves. To see these caterpillars at work is startling but usually they don’t do enough damage to permanently harm a tree.

The more mature caterpillars are around in late summer into autumn. They measure to about 1.75 inches and develop into solitary creatures.

Looking cute and cuddly, white with black (those black tufts are called “pencils”). But be wise. Don’t pick them up. Their little barbed hairs can cause irritation on your skin. Panda Bears of the insect world — don’t touch.

Northern Walkingstick

It wasn’t too long ago that I became aware there was an insect called a “walkingstick.” A creature that I would have marveled at as a child. During my growing up years I spent loads of time in the woods, but never did I see such a thing. I’m delighted now that I know about these critters.

This Northern Walkingstick (Diapheromera fermorata) is native to North America. Its range in the US extends from the Atlantic coast, Maine to Florida, west to New Mexico and north to North Dakota. In Canada it is found in Alberta, Manitoba, Ontario and Québec. Northern Walkingsticks have built-in eye protection that acts to shield them from excessive sunlight. 

They have an incredible camouflage, looking like a twig, and will keep their legs close to their body and remain perfectly still when they sense predators, such as American Robins or Crows are nearby. Sometimes a predator only gets away with a leg. These clever insects often are able to regenerate that lost leg. Northern Walkingsticks are found in deciduous woods and forests. They seek out oaks and hazelnuts, skeletonizing their leaves.