Frequently Asked Questions About Insects - Department of Entomology at Texas A&M University

Frequently Asked Questions

Topic:	Caterpillars, black, fuzzy
Question:	My 6 year old daughter has found a very interesting looking caterpillar in our backyard in Dallas, Texas. We were wondering what kind it is and if it is harmful to touch, and maybe where we can find out more about it. It is black with very long fuzzy hair, with some red rings buried inside the hair. It is about 5 inches in length. It eats and plays at night and hides most of the day. Any information would be greatly appreciated. Thanks.
Answer:	It is almost certainly the larvae of the great leopard moth. See the link below from our Field Guide to Common Texas Insects. There are pictures of the caterpillar and the adult moth.
Related Link:	http://insects.tamu.edu/fieldguide/cimg253.html
Related Link:
Image Link: **
Response by:	John A. Jackman, Ph.D.
Title:	Professor and Extension Specialist
** Most of the Related Links above also contain images.