Northern Prairie Wildlife Research Center

This is one of many caterpillars that exhibits more than one color phase, either by stage of development, genetic polymorphism, or other environmental factors. Color phases differ according to age. Late instar: Mid abdominal segments with wisps of long white hairs among reddish orange hairs; anterior and posterior with long wisps of white hairs among short black hairs. This caterpillar is very common on many broadleaf trees such as big-leaf maple and red alder, during July and August.