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Photo#151553
Large Yellow and Black Caterpillar - Automeris zephyria

Large Yellow and Black Caterpillar - Automeris zephyria
Tijeras, Bernalillo County, New Mexico, USA
October 11, 2007
Size: 2.5 - 3 inches
Dear Lepidopterists,

I looked at every image on the BugGuide and didn't see this caterpillar. I'm certain there are some of you that can identify it at a glance. Please do. It has fleshy pink feet that cling very well, and white markingings on its underside. This specimen was on a concrete slab in a pine forest. I scooped it up without touching it because I suspected it had toxic spines. My suspicion was confirmed when I accidently dropped it onto the back of my hand while releasing it. Its spines punctured my skin and caused mild stinging welts at the penetration sites. Please identify, won't you?

Automeris zephyria?
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Automeris
Thanks. That's great. I missed it. Corona is not terribly far from Tijeras, where my specimen was found, and they're both in the same mountain range (Sandias), although Corona is lower, I believe. Not certain, though. Excellent work!

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