Template:POTD/2026-08-26
Lophocampa caryae, commonly known as the hickory tiger moth or the hickory tussock moth, is a species of moth in the family Erebidae, found widely across eastern North America. Its hairy caterpillars feed principally on hickory, pecan and walnut, as well as various other trees and plants. The larvae are mostly white, with black tufts and long black hair. Contact with their microscopically barbed hairs can cause contact dermatitis. The species has one generation annually, with adults typically flying during May and June. This L. caryae caterpillar was photographed by the Grand River in Cambridge, Ontario, Canada.Photograph credit: The Cosmonaut