Possible Tussock Caterpillar - Apatelodes torrefacta

Caterpillar ID Note /Tip…

Hickory Tussock/Hickory Tiger Moth (Lophocampa caryae), IS A BANDED CATERPILLAR https://www.butterfliesandmoths.org/sighting_details/1138263 A Banded Tussock Moth [CATERPILLAR] (Halysidota tessellaris).ISN'T A BANDED MOTH.
https://www.butterfliesandmoths.org/sighting_details/1144781

… Bkripto, 12 October, 2017 - 6:45am

The head & eyes are prevalent

The head & eyes are prevalent on Banded Tussock Moth/Pale Tiger Moth [CATERPILLAR]s,(Halysidota tessellaris), see here…
(https://www.butterfliesandmoths.org/sighting_details/1144781
Same with American Dagger aka "Sassy Priscilla"… {Acronicta americana}.
https://www.butterfliesandmoths.org/sighting_details/1145441

… Bkripto, 12 October, 2017 - 6:33am

ID of this Caterpillar…

Here it is!!
Spotted Apatelodes (Apatelodes torrefacta).
See it here…
http://bugguide.net/node/view/4765

… Bkripto, 12 October, 2017 - 6:08am

Spotted Apatelodes

Thanks for everyone's spirited discussion. Nice to know that even those of you with much expertise, sometimes have to work at finalizing an ID!I would not have been able to deduce this ID on my own! :) Mary

… Mary E, 12 October, 2017 - 9:34am

Not sure what to make of the black hair pencils

we see up front. We would expect two pair in Acronicta and just two in Apatelodes. But the row of smaller back spikes down the back seem more like Apatelodes to us. We haven't seen those in Acronicta ??

… john and jane balaban, 11 October, 2017 - 7:56pm

Did you see the face? Was it

Did you see the face? Was it black or yellowish?
Look here…
http://dailyapple.blogspot.com/2011/10/apple-548b-white-caterpillars-part-ii.html?m=1

Also… color of hair will vary.

… Bkripto, 11 October, 2017 - 11:10pm

ID of this Caterpillar…

They do look alike! Tussock & Dagger Caterpillars… the difference is the Tussocks have the Black tufts "soft spikes" in front only & this one… American Dagger, has them throughout as well…
Look here…
http://bugguide.net/node/view/74852

… Bkripto, 11 October, 2017 - 7:30pm

Possible Tussock Caterpillar but is American Dagger

Thanks very much, Bkripto. This clears up some confusion I have had between both the Tussock and Dagger. To further clarify, are there many types of Tussock and American Dagger caterpillars, for instance, differences in color, therefore a different catepillar/moth? Thanks again, Mary

… Mary E, 11 October, 2017 - 8:18pm

Im going with you…

The Apatelodes torrefacta - seems to fit best. Loose hairs throughout, spotted as well, & the face is covered or else you would have seen it very easily bcoz Daggers & Tussocks have big black heads & eyes 👀 prominently on display!
:- )

… Bkripto, 12 October, 2017 - 6:13am