While looking at milkweed plants in search of a Monarch caterpillar, I spotted these caterpillars that looked like variegated yarn instead. They were munching on the milkweed and when I looked them up later, I found out they are caterpillars of the Milkweed Tussock Moth so I guess that is why they were on my milkweeds.
Both the Milkweed Tussock Moth and Monarch caterpillars have similar color scheme of black, yellow / orange, white stripes. The colors advertise to predators the toxin they incorporated from the milkweed diet.
But I much rather see a Monarch butterfly flying around than a Milkweed Tussock Moth so these little pieces of yarn better save some milkweed for the Monarch caterpillars since the Tussocks are communal feeders and will feed in large groups. I guess I was lucky that I only spotted three that day before finding one Monarch caterpillar.
Milkweed Tussock Moth Caterpillars
