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Photo#531599
Buck Moth? - Hemileuca nevadensis

Buck Moth? - Hemileuca nevadensis
Mission Trails Regional Park, San Diego County, CA, USA, San Diego County, California, USA
June 18, 2011
Size: 2-2 1/2 inches
We found several of these caterpillars feeding on wild Willow trees (Salix lasiandra) along the San Diego river in Mission Trails Regional Park. The caterpillars are venomous and will give a painful red rash if handled. We have had these caterpillars for 2 weeks now at home, they seem to be slow growing and slow to progress to the different instars. I have provided them with fresh Salix every day to feed. I believe they may be some form of Buck Moth but have been unable to find the exact species.

Images of this individual: tag all
Buck Moth? - Hemileuca nevadensis Buck Moth? - Hemileuca nevadensis Buck Moth? - Hemileuca nevadensis

These look like the same guys
These look like the same guys I found yesterday down st the creek by my house.

Moved
Moved from Hemileuca.

Moved
Moved from Nevada Buck Moth.

Moved
Moved from ID Request.

 
Sub Sp?
Hi John, I see this was moved to H. nevadensis. I agree that it is a Hemileuca I do not think it is a Nevada Buck Moth as from all the pictures I can find those they have a different coloration. Their skin appears distinctly speckled in appearance with some prominent striping on the sides. These Hemileuca have a much more yellow color as well as a more mottled appearance to their skin and not the distinct speckling seen in H. nevadensis (of the photos I can find anyway). These also have 'eyes' on the sides and not stripes. It is my understanding that Hemileuca are prone to pockets of specific population variance. Could that be the case here or are all the other photos I am finding just different instars? I have brought 5 of them home and am feeding them fresh salix daily. I will post more photos as they continue to mature.

Kind Regards,
Christine

 
Thanks
I was using the other contributors ID, but if you are going to raise some that should make things easier.

 
ID
Okay John I will be sure to keep putting photos as they mature :-)

Kind Regards,
Christine

 
Any updates
?

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