Identification
Caterpillar: "The sides of the body are gray and supraspiracular warts are orange; the black middorsal stripe is flanked by yellow spots on A4-A7" - Wagner, p.450
(1).
"Unique to this species are the orange-colored spots along the back and sides." - University of Florida site.
There is a darker form of the caterpillar that is more distinctive - light forms may resemble Orgyia leucostigma.
Range
Atlantic coast from Long Island to FL and west to Texas. More common than O. leucostigma in FL.
Remarks
The hairs of the caterpillar may cause irritation to sensitive skin if you handle them, though they are not among the stinging caterpillars.
See Also
Whitemarked Tussock Moth,
Orgyia leucostigma. Its caterpillar is very similar but lacks orange warts along sides.
Internet References
Tussock Moths of Florida - all stages of the life cycle are illustrated
University of Florida images - two versions of the caterpillar
