A moth caterpillar refers to the larval stage of a moth, which is the stage before it undergoes metamorphosis to become an adult moth. Moth caterpillars come in various shapes, sizes, and colors, and they feed on a wide range of plant materials depending on the specific species. During this stage, they primarily focus on consuming food to fuel their growth and development before they enter the pupal stage and eventually emerge as adult moths.

Moth caterpillars may have no resemblance to the adult moths. Knowing how to identify moth caterpillars can help you know the type of moth they turn into.

This article is a guide to identifying common types of moth caterpillars. Pictures and descriptions for many moth caterpillar varieties, including their behavior and identification characteristics, will help you recognize individual species of these crawling, worm-like creatures.

The identifying features of moth caterpillars are their long, worm-like bodies, color, distinctive markings, presence of hairs, habitat, and plants they feed on. In addition, moth caterpillars have six legs and distinctive prolegs (stumpy false legs). After pupation, a moth caterpillar may look entirely different from the adult moth that emerges from the pupa.

For example, the unusual, white-marked tussock moth caterpillar has tufts of white hairs, and black and yellow body, and a distinctive orangey-red head. However, this caterpillar turns into an unremarkable grayish-brown furry moth.

Here are some of the most common moth caterpillars with their pictures.

The furry white-marked tussock caterpillar

The white-marked tussock moth caterpillar is a furry yellow and black caterpillar. It grows 1.3” (35 mm) long. The spiny moth caterpillar is identified by its red head and toothbrush-like tufts of yellowish-white hairs on a yellow and black body. You’ll find the fuzzy moth caterpillar feeding on a range of deciduous and coniferous trees.

The white-marked tussock moth has an unassuming gray appearance with feathery antennae

The white-marked tussock moth is a gray, fuzzy moth with black lines and a white spot on each forewing. The male white-marked tussock moth is known for its feathery, or plumose, antennae.

The white-marked tussock moth caterpillar is a common caterpillar found in Florida.

The Isabella tiger moth caterpillar is a furry caterpillar with black and orange or brown hairs

Also called the banded woolly bear, the Isabella tiger moth caterpillar is a furry, black and orange moth caterpillar with broad orange-rusty brown band around its mid-section, and furry black head and tail ends. The spiky moth larva measures 2.3” (60 mm) long. Covered in spines, the banded caterpillar may look menacing, but this insect doesn’t bite although it may cause skin irritation.

Isabella tiger moth has orange-yellow wings with black dots

The Isabella tiger moth, also known as the woolly bear moth, belongs to the family Erebidae. In its adult form, it is known for its medium size and distinct coloration. The wings of the Isabella tiger moth are usually a mix of creamy white and orange-brown, with some individuals exhibiting darker shades of brown or black. Its wingspan typically measures around 1.5 to 2 inches (3.8 to 5 centimeters).

The ruby tiger moth caterpillar has orange-brown hairs and a yellow line along its back

The ruby tiger moth caterpillar is yellow and furry, with an orangey-brown body and a blackish-brown head. The fuzzy moth larva has recognizable tufts of foxy-red stinging hairs and spines and a yellow stripe down its back. Ruby tiger moth caterpillars grow 1.2” (30 mm) long.

The ruby tiger moth has furry head and reddish-pink wings with black spots

The ruby tiger moth is recognized for its deep ruby-red wings with intricate black or dark brown markings, creating a visually captivating contrast that aids in both identification and camouflage in its natural environment.

With a wingspan ranging from approximately 1 to 1.4 inches (2.5 to 3.5 centimeters), the ruby tiger moth is of medium size. Its forewings are predominantly deep ruby red, while the hindwings appear in a paler shade of red or pink. This striking color contrast makes it easily identifiable.

The light green striped rosy maple caterpillar has black dots and 2 black horns poking out from its head

The rosy maple moth caterpillar is a bright green caterpillar with a bulbous pale brown head, a pair of black antennae, and rows of spiny black dots along its abdomen. It also has red markings at its tail end. The plump green moth larva becomes darker as it matures and develops green, pale white, or black stripes along its body.

The fat green moth caterpillar measures about 2” (50 mm) before entering the pupal stage.

The beautiful fluffy rosy maple moth is easily identified by its colorful yellow and pink wings

The rosy maple moth is a  stunning pink furry moth. It exhibits soft pink and creamy white hues on both its forewings and hindwings. With a compact and robust body, this moth typically has a wingspan ranging from 1.25 to 2 inches (3.2 to 5 centimeters). Its distinct coloration and furry, plump thorax and abdomen contribute to its unique and delicate appearance.

The large imperial moth caterpillar has dark brown body with spines and pale yellow spots along its sides

The giant imperial moth caterpillar is a large, dark brown worm-like insect covered in thin, wispy filaments with a row of yellow spots along its abdomen. The brown moth caterpillar has jagged-looking spines at its head and two rows of smaller spines along its back. The large brown caterpillar measures 5.5” (100 mm) long.

The imperial moth is yellow and brown and looks like autumn leaves

The imperial moth, scientifically known as Eacles imperialis, is a majestic and distinctive species known for its impressive size and striking appearance. With a wingspan that can reach up to 7 inches (17.8 centimeters), this moth is one of the largest in North America. Its wings feature a rich and varied color palette, including shades of yellow, orange, and purple, accompanied by intricate patterns and eye-catching markings.

The Cecropia moth caterpillar is a large green caterpillar with yellow and blue nodules

One of the most unusual green moth caterpillars is the Cecropia moth larva. The lime green oversized, fat moth caterpillar with its bulging segments has rows of yellow and blue tubercles along its body. In addition, large orange ball-like spiny orange tubercles are found near its head.

This vast, menacing-looking but harmless moth caterpillar grows between 4” and 4.5” (100 – 110 mm) long. You’ll find the fat moth caterpillar feeding on leaves of beech, birch, cherry, dogwood, elm, poplar, willow, and oak trees.

The large and colorful cecropia moth has stunning shades of brown, beige and orange patterns on its wings

The cecropia moth, scientifically known as Hyalophora cecropia, is a stunning and distinct species known for its large size and captivating appearance. With a wingspan that can measure up to 6 inches (15.2 centimeters), it is one of the largest moths in North America. The wings of the cecropia moth showcase a magnificent blend of colors, featuring hues of reddish-brown, white, and tan, creating an intricate and eye-catching pattern that contributes to its overall beauty.

The elephant hawk moth caterpillar has gray-brown body and black spots

The elephant hawk moth caterpillar is dark-brown with black spots and the appearance of an elephant’s trunk. The speckled brown moth caterpillar has a brownish-gray body with eyespots near its head and a backward curving “horn” at its back. Fully grown moth larvae measure up to 3” (75 mm) long.

The attractive elephant hawk moth has pink and brownish wings and body

The elephant hawk moth, known scientifically as Deilephila elpenor, is a notable and distinctive species recognized for its sizable proportions and captivating appearance. It has a wingspan ranging from approximately 2.4 to 2.8 inches (6 to 7 centimeters). Its wings exhibit a blend of colors, often featuring various shades of pink, olive, and brown, arranged in intricate patterns that enhance its unique appearance.

The tobacco hawk moth caterpillar is a type of large green caterpillar with horn at its end

Also known as tobacco hornworms, the sizable green moth caterpillar has diagonal white stripes along its sides to identify it. Apart from the diagonal striped markings, the green larvae have small horn-like protrusions at the end of the last abdominal segment, as well as tiny black and white eye markings along its sides. These moth caterpillars grow up to 3.1” (80 mm).

The tobacco hawk moth caterpillar looks like a tomato hornworm. The difference between the two caterpillar species is that the tomato hornworm is identified by its V-shaped markings, not diagonal white stripes.

The tobacco hawk moth has brown-gray wings and yellow spots on its body

The tobacco hawk moth, scientifically known as Manduca sexta, is notable for its substantial size and striking appearance. With a wingspan typically ranging from 4 to 5 inches (10 to 13 centimeters), it is one of the larger hawk moth species. The wings of the tobacco hawk moth feature a fascinating combination of colors, including various shades of brown, beige, and olive, intricately arranged to create a visually stunning and distinctive pattern.

The funerary dagger moth caterpillar is also called the paddle caterpillar due to its paddle-like hairs

Also called the paddle caterpillar, the funerary dagger moth larva is a striking black caterpillar with large bright yellow markings. The unusual feature of this black moth caterpillar is the slender paddle-like protrusions from its jet-black body. The yellow and black moth larva grows up to 1.37” (35 mm) long.

The funerary dagger moth is gray and black with furry head

The funerary dagger moth, scientifically known as Acronicta funeralis, has a wingspan typically ranging from 1.5 to 2.2 inches (3.8 to 5.6 centimeters). Its wings display a unique combination of colors, often featuring shades of gray, brown, and white, forming intricate patterns that contribute to its distinct appearance. This moth is recognized for its compact and robust body, allowing it to blend seamlessly with its natural surroundings.

The regal moth caterpillar has a scary look with blue-green body and orange and black horns

The regal moth caterpillar is one of the scariest and largest types of moth larva you’ll find. The fat, turquoise-green moth caterpillar has orange or red-colored, black-tipped arched horns, rows of menacing black spines, and an orangey-red head. Fully grown, the royal walnut moth caterpillar grows up to 6” (150 mm) long.

The beautiful regal moth has orange and gray wings with pale spots

The regal moth, scientifically known as Citheronia regalis, has a wingspan that can reach up to 6.5 inches (16.5 centimeters). Its wings feature various shades of brown, gray, and white, forming intricate patterns. This moth is characterized by its robust and powerful body, contributing to its regal and commanding presence.

The small southern flannel moth caterpillar is one of the fluffiest types of furry caterpillars with light brown hairs

The southern flannel moth caterpillar looks brown, soft, and fluffy but is a type of stinging caterpillar. The hairy caterpillar ranges in color from golden orange-brown to dark gray. You’ll often notice an orange stripe running down its disheveled-looking body. The puss moth caterpillar measures up to 1” (25 mm) long.

The puss moth caterpillars are considered dangerous insects due to their nasty sting. Symptoms from the sting of a puss moth caterpillar can vary in severity and may include headache, nausea, fever, and seizures.

Other names for the southern flannel moth are Italian asp, woolly slug, puss mother, or asp caterpillar. These names refer to the caterpillar’s hairy appearance, like a tiny Persian pussy cat or its singing setae that resemble a snake bite.

The fluffy southern flannel moth has furry body with brown wings and white edges

The southern flannel moth has a hairy appearance, fuzzy black feet and is typically covered in a furry coat in shades of brown, white, and orange. It also has distinctive white comb-like antennae.

The emperor caterpillar has yellow and black dots on its large green body

The emperor moth caterpillar is a giant green segmented worm-like insect with transversal rows of hairy tufts emerging from black and yellow tubercles. Some varieties of these green moth caterpillars have thick black bands on a lime green body. The young moth caterpillars emerge black and orange and become green as they mature. Eventually, the mature green moth caterpillars grow a sizable length of 2.4” (60 mm).

The attractive large emperor moth is active during the day and is characterized by its hairy body and brown and orange wings with eye markings

The emperor moth, known scientifically as Saturnia pavonia, is a notable and distinctive species recognized for its large size and striking appearance. With a wingspan that can measure up to 2.5 to 3 inches (6.5 to 7.5 centimeters), it is one of the larger moth species found in Europe.

The emperor moth is known for its distinct eye-catching eyespots on its hindwings, which serve as a form of mimicry to deter potential predators. These eyespots, resembling the eyes of a larger creature, create the illusion of a formidable presence, effectively deterring predators and enhancing the moth’s chances of survival in its natural environment.

The wings of the emperor moth feature a captivating blend of colors, often displaying various shades of brown, orange, and white, forming intricate and eye-catching patterns.

The large luna moth caterpillar has green ridged body with red dots

The luna moth caterpillar is identified by its oval brown head, six brown front legs, and rows of red spiny bumps. Also characteristic of this lime-green, almost translucent moth larva is its unusually large four pairs of prolegs. Just before pupation, the plump green moth caterpillar turns a reddish color.

The green luna moth has tail-like hindwings and it looks like a leaf

The luna moth, scientifically known as Actias luna, has a wingspan that can reach up to 4.5 inches (11.4 centimeters). Its wings feature a captivating blend of pale green and yellow, creating a soft and delicate color palette. The Luna Moth is characterized by its striking, elongated tails on its hindwings, adding to its graceful and elegant appearance.

The beautiful mullein moth caterpillar is identified by its white or pale green body with black and yellow spots

The large worm-like creamy-white or pale grayish-green moth caterpillar has patches of yellow and black on its body. The mullein moth larva markings are yellow blotches with irregular black dots. Additionally, fine setae feature along the black and white caterpillar’s back. The moth caterpillar measures 2” (50 mm) and is easily recognizable.

The mullein moth has brown patterns along its wings

The mullein moth, scientifically known as Cucullia verbasci, has a wingspan that typically ranges from 1.6 to 2.2 inches (4 to 5.5 centimeters). Its wings exhibit a combination of colors, often featuring shades of brown, gray, and white, arranged in intricate patterns. The mullein moth is characterized by its compact and robust body, allowing it to blend seamlessly with its natural surroundings.

The brown-tail moth caterpillar has white marking and stinging hairs on its body

The brown-tail moth caterpillar is a reddish-brown caterpillar with rows of white patches and long stinging pencil hairs. Brown-tail moth larvae grow up to 1.5” (38 mm) long and are commonly found on birch trees, as well as ash, oak, maples, and various fruit trees.

The brown-tail moth is hairy white with brownish furry tail

After emerging from the cocoon, the brown hairy caterpillars become stunning fuzzy white moths. As the name suggests, the brown tail moths have a recognizable brown tail, as well as two comb antennae, furry wings, and a fuzzy white head.

The small pale green diamondback moth caterpillar has dark head and tiny black hairs on its body

The diamondback moth caterpillar is a slender, worm-like green insect with a sparse covering of black spiny hairs and V-shaped rear end. Other features of this green caterpillar are a dark-colored greenish-brown head, irregular whitish dots, and faint yellow bands between its segments. The small green moth grows up to 0.4” (11 mm) long.

The slender diamondback moth is gray-brown and has a short life-cycle

The diamondback moth emerges as a type of leaf-mining larva and destroys the leaves of various kinds of trees and shrubs. When the caterpillar becomes a moth, it’s a slender grayish-brown flying insect with long pointed antennae. The moth’s wingtips have a lightly-colored band and turn upward slightly.

The cinnabar moth caterpillar has yellow and black stripes with fine hairs on its body

The stunning caterpillar of the cinnabar moth is a bright yellow and black striped larva with a glossy sheen to its body. The stripy body is sparsely covered in black and white spines. Its dramatic contrasting colors warn predators to stay away from this poisonous insect. The cinnabar moth caterpillar grows 1.2” (30 mm) long.

The beautiful cinnabar moth has bright red and black wings

The cinnabar moth, scientifically known as Tyria jacobaeae, features wings that display vibrant shades of red and black, forming intricate patterns. With a wingspan typically ranging from 1.2 to 1.6 inches (3 to 4 centimeters), it is a medium-sized moth species. The cinnabar moth is characterized by its relatively robust and compact body, contributing to its distinct and recognizable appearance.

The Io moth caterpillar has green spikes that feel very unpleasant if their venom penetrates your skin

Io moth caterpillars grow up to 2.3” (6 cm) long. They emerge from the eggs a rusty-brown color with thin black stinging hairs. The venomous caterpillars gradually turn green and develop the characteristic stinging needle-like green tufts that look like pine needles.

The spines of io moth caterpillar contain toxic substances that cause a lot of skin irritation. The urticating spines can give you a nasty “bite” if the venom gets into your skin. Even just the slightest touch of these stinging caterpillars can cause a lot of pain that lasts an hour or so.

You can identify this species by the red and white stripes running the length of its side. Green spikes stick out from all parts of its body. There are even tiny spikes on the 4 pairs of prolegs on its central segments.

Io moth (Automeris io): female (top) and male (bottom)

The Io Moth, scientifically known as Automeris io, features wings with captivating shades of yellow, pink, and cream, forming intricate patterns. With a wingspan that can measure up to 2.5 to 3.5 inches (6.4 to 8.9 centimeters), it is one of the larger and more notable moth species. The Io Moth is distinguished by its prominent eyespots on its hindwings, which serve as a form of mimicry to deter potential predators. These eyespots create the illusion of a formidable presence, effectively deterring predators and enhancing the moth’s chances of survival in its natural environment.

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