Tussock Moth Herd

Some caterpillars are usually seen in large numbers (like Armyworm Moth caterpillars and Eastern Tent Caterpillars), while most are more solitary. The Milkweed Tussock Moth caterpillars (more about them are here) seem to be slightly social. I'll sometimes see them alone, but more often I'll see them in groups of 2-9 members.

In the 1st picture below, you can see there is a clear size difference in some of these individuals. I'm almost certain the little one in the middle is in an earlier instar than the others (though they lack the colorful tufts of fuzz in their earliest instars).

August 31, 2021 at Washington Valley Park
Photo 167477945, (c) jpviolette, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC)

In the picture below, it's clear that these caterpillars don't require a lot of personal space.

August 31, 2021 at Washington Valley Park
Photo 167477979, (c) jpviolette, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC)


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