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.
