Remember this critter from yesterday? (Trust me, that’s the head – I paid close attention to which direction it was travelling when I picked it up for the photograph.)
I sent requests for identification assistance to a couple of different sources to which I often turn in times of entomologic uncertainty – Bug Guide and the NorWestLeps list server. So far, the responses have been somewhat sparse but each one has been very much appreciated nevertheless. One possibility that was suggested was Fall Webworm, Hyphantria cunea. The shape is perfect as are the long white hairs (setae) extending in all directions. These caterpillars are reported to disperse from their communal “webs” in broadleaf trees to pupate and overwinter. A broadleaf tree is located not more than five meters from where I discovered the caterpillar; however no web structure is visible in the tree.
Another suggestion was Yellow Wollybear, Spilosoma virginica. These are reported to be widespread throughout the United States and quite variable in color. The images I primarily find for them are, naturally, mostly yellow and not at all reflective of the color of this particular caterpillar. However I have found references indicating that orange is also possible as a variation. The trouble is that the setae on S. virginica seem too short in comparison to the caterpillar in question.
Thus I am still lacking a positive identification, although I am leaning toward H. cunea and wondering if a web actually exists in the nearby broadleaf tree but is simply obscured by the foliage. In any case, it is indeed a pleasure to ponder such mysteries, especially in opposition to the chaos reigning from Wall Street to Washington D.C. Life seems much more in balance if one can simply focus one’s attention on a mystery with a solution that is within reach.
Peace and good bird watching.
