I found the caterpillar of a banded tussock moth lounging on one of our apple trees this week. She shouldn't damage the tree in any dangerous way, so we'll let her hang out. Normally she would prefer to munch on the leaves of several other species of tree more commonly found on the farm, mostly the elms and oaks and to a lesser extent poplar. Most of the rapid Spring growth is over by the time this gal starts feeding on the leaves, so she shouldn't seriously injure the trees or reduce their growth.
The banded tussock moth is a member of the Erebidae family of moths, along with many other species of moth, having much in common with tiger moths. The caterpillars of these moths are especially noteworthy for their cool haircuts! Sometimes called woolly bears, these hairy little gals sure are good looking, but often not so fun to touch. While they look all soft and cuddly and have a cute nickname, touching them can often result in rashes and other minor skin irritations.
Some species are thought to develop alkaloid poisons from the plants they eat. Other species possibly irritate the skin by mechanical action. Meaning those cute little hairs break off in your skin kind of like a cactus. In either case I'm going to leave her right where she is, lounging on an apple leaf, batting her eyelashes.
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