Not Gypsy Moth Caterpillars at Hollows

I sent the photo of the caterpillars that the Pack 158 Cub Scouts were collecting at the Hollows this past weekend and got back good news from the McHenry County Conservation District.

They are not gypsy moths.

Here is the reply from the MCCD’s Sue Hayden:

“Your picture is not that of gypsy moths.

I’d have to get a better look at them to see for sure what they are. I suspect they are mourning cloak butterflies.

“Attached is a picture of a gypsy moth larvae. Note the double row of bumps; the first 6-8 blue and the rest red.

“Also, gypsies do not make the “tents” that are so prevalent this year. Those are appropriately named tent caterpillars and although unattractive are not deadly for the trees.”

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A gypsy moth caterpillar appears on the top right.

You can see some of the tents constructed by the the caterpillars the Cub Scouts were collected at the left.


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