30 Types of Caterpillars in Minnesota: A Field Identification Guide

Minnesota’s forests, prairies, wetlands, and backyard gardens host an extraordinary parade of caterpillars—some striped like candy, others armored with spines, and a few so fuzzy they look like walking tufts of yarn. These larval insects are far more than just future butterflies and moths; they are essential links in the food web, feeding birds, bats, and parasitic wasps while quietly reshaping the vegetation around them.

Whether a nature enthusiast spots a bright yellow-and-black striped larva on a milkweed plant or a hiker stumbles across a bristling, rust-banded caterpillar crossing a trail, Minnesota offers remarkable variety for anyone curious enough to look closely. This guide covers 30 species—from iconic garden visitors to elusive woodland dwellers—with identification details, host plants, and behavioral notes for each one.

Key Insight: Minnesota sits at the crossroads of eastern deciduous forest, northern boreal woodland, and tallgrass prairie, giving the state an unusually diverse caterpillar fauna that spans species from multiple ecological zones.

1. Monarch Caterpillar

Few caterpillars are as immediately recognizable as the monarch (Danaus plexippus). Its bold alternating bands of yellow, white, and black serve as a vivid warning to predators: this larva is toxic, having sequestered cardiac glycosides from its exclusive diet of milkweed. In Minnesota, monarchs are most commonly found on common milkweed (Asclepias syriaca) from late June through early September.

The caterpillar passes through five instars before reaching its full length of roughly two inches. A pair of black filaments at both the head and tail end are distinctive field markers that separate it from any similar-looking species. Gardeners planting native milkweed across the state play a direct role in supporting this federally listed candidate species.

Pro Tip: Look for monarch caterpillars on the undersides of milkweed leaves during the hottest parts of the day, when they retreat from direct sun to avoid overheating.

2. Black Swallowtail Caterpillar

The black swallowtail (Papilio polyxenes) produces one of Minnesota’s most garden-familiar caterpillars. Early instars are dark with a white saddle marking, mimicking bird droppings to avoid predation. By the final instar, the larva transforms dramatically into a plump, green caterpillar with black bands and yellow or orange spots arranged in a striking pattern across each segment.

Host plants include members of the carrot family—dill, parsley, fennel, and Queen Anne’s lace are all favorites. When threatened, the caterpillar everts a bright orange forked gland called an osmeterium from behind its head, releasing a pungent odor to deter predators. Gardeners who grow herbs frequently encounter this species and can learn more about similar species found across North America.

3. Eastern Tiger Swallowtail Caterpillar

The eastern tiger swallowtail (Papilio glaucus) caterpillar is a master of disguise. Young larvae mimic bird droppings, while mature caterpillars are smooth and green with a swollen thorax that bears two large false eyespots—a convincing imitation of a small snake’s head that startles predators effectively.

In Minnesota, this species feeds on a wide range of hardwood trees including wild cherry, tulip tree, cottonwood, and ash. The caterpillar rests on a silken mat it spins on a leaf and curls the leaf edges around itself for shelter. It is one of the state’s most widespread swallowtail larvae, found from suburban parks to mature riverside forest corridors.

4. Cecropia Moth Caterpillar

North America’s largest native moth, the cecropia (Hyalophora cecropia), begins life as a tiny dark larva and grows into a spectacular, chunky caterpillar reaching up to four inches long. The mature larva is pale green with rows of colorful tubercles—blue, yellow, and red knobby projections—running along its back and sides, making it one of the most visually arresting caterpillars in the state.

Host plants in Minnesota include wild cherry, maple, birch, and elderberry. The species is most often encountered in late summer when caterpillars are at their largest and most visible before spinning their large, papery brown cocoons along tree branches. Spotting one is genuinely a memorable field experience.

Key Insight: Cecropia moths belong to the family Saturniidae—the giant silk moths—whose caterpillars are generally harmless to handle and do not sting, despite their dramatic appearance.

5. Woolly Bear Caterpillar

Perhaps Minnesota’s most famous caterpillar, the woolly bear (Pyrrharctia isabella) is the larva of the Isabella tiger moth. Its dense coat of bristles is divided into a rusty-orange middle band flanked by black sections at each end. Folk tradition holds that the width of the orange band predicts winter severity—wider orange means milder winter—though no scientific evidence supports the claim.

Woolly bears are generalist feeders, consuming dandelion, plantain, clover, and many other low-growing plants. They are one of the few caterpillars that overwinter as larvae in Minnesota, surviving by producing a natural antifreeze compound. Come spring, they complete their development and pupate. These distinctive fuzzy caterpillars are among the most commonly spotted species crossing roads and trails in autumn.

6. Banded Tussock Moth Caterpillar

The banded tussock moth (Halysidota tessellaris) caterpillar is a fluffy, pale yellow or cream-colored larva adorned with long, wispy tufts of white and black hairs extending from its body like a disheveled wig. The hair pencils at each end are particularly long and distinctive, giving it an almost comical appearance in the field.

This species feeds on a broad range of deciduous trees and shrubs including alder, ash, birch, elm, and walnut. It is found across Minnesota’s forested regions from midsummer through early fall. While the hairs look soft, they can cause mild skin irritation in sensitive individuals, so handling is best avoided. The adult moth is a pale, cream-colored species with faint checkerboard wing patterning.

7. Milkweed Tussock Caterpillar

Sharing the same milkweed plants as monarch caterpillars, the milkweed tussock moth (Euchaetes egle) larva is a striking creature covered in dense tufts of black, white, and orange hairs arranged in a bold pattern. Early instars are gregarious, feeding in large groups that can strip a milkweed plant’s leaves rapidly. Older larvae become solitary as they disperse.

Like monarchs, milkweed tussock caterpillars sequester toxins from their host plants, making them unpalatable to most predators. Their bright coloration is a form of aposematic warning. Minnesota naturalists exploring milkweed patches in July and August frequently encounter both species on the same plants, offering a fascinating side-by-side comparison of two very different caterpillar strategies.

8. Forest Tent Caterpillar

The forest tent caterpillar (Malacosoma disstria) is one of Minnesota’s most ecologically significant species, capable of defoliating millions of acres of hardwood forest during periodic outbreaks. Despite its name, it does not build a tent; instead, larvae congregate on silken mats on tree trunks and branches. The caterpillar is dark with a row of distinctive white keyhole or footprint-shaped markings running down its back.

Quaking aspen is the primary host in Minnesota, though the species also feeds on oak, maple, and basswood. Outbreaks tend to occur in cycles of roughly ten to fifteen years and can last two to three seasons before natural predators, parasites, and disease collapse the population. Trees typically recover and releaf within the same season, though repeated defoliation can weaken them over time.

Important Note: Forest tent caterpillar outbreaks in Minnesota are a natural ecological process. Chemical intervention is rarely recommended for healthy, established trees, as populations collapse on their own and trees generally recover.

9. Eastern Tent Caterpillar

Unlike its forest cousin, the eastern tent caterpillar (Malacosoma americanum) does construct conspicuous silken tents in the forks of tree branches, most visibly on wild cherry and apple trees in early spring. The caterpillar is dark brown to black with a white stripe running down its back, flanked by blue spots and reddish-brown lines along the sides.

Colonies emerge from egg masses in early spring, building their communal tent as a thermal refuge and resting site. They venture out to feed during the day and return to the tent at night. By late spring, larvae disperse to pupate individually. Eastern tent caterpillars are a common sight in Minnesota orchards and hedgerows, and while they can cause aesthetic damage, healthy trees typically recover fully.

10. Fall Webworm

The fall webworm (Hyphantria cunea) is notorious for the large, unsightly silk webs it spins over the branch tips of trees in late summer and fall—the opposite end of the branch from where eastern tent caterpillars build. The caterpillar itself is variable in color, ranging from pale yellow-green to darker forms with black or reddish tubercles, all covered in long, silky white hairs.

Over 100 species of trees serve as hosts, making fall webworm one of the most polyphagous caterpillars in Minnesota. Walnut, cherry, and crabapple are particularly favored. The webs can look alarming but rarely cause serious long-term damage to established trees. Populations are kept in check by a large suite of parasitic wasps and flies, which are among the most effective natural controls. More information on fall webworm management is available from the University of Minnesota Extension.

11. Cabbage Looper

The cabbage looper (Trichoplusia ni) is a garden pest well known to Minnesota vegetable growers. The caterpillar is smooth, pale to medium green, and moves with a distinctive looping gait—arching its middle into a loop with each step—because it lacks prolegs in the middle of its body. A thin white line runs along each side, and the body tapers toward the head.

As its name suggests, it feeds heavily on cabbage, broccoli, kale, and other brassicas, though it will also attack tomatoes, beans, and lettuce. Feeding damage appears as ragged holes in leaves, often with frass nearby. Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt), a naturally occurring soil bacterium, is an effective and widely used biological control that targets caterpillars without harming beneficial insects.

12. Imported Cabbageworm

The imported cabbageworm (Pieris rapae) is the larva of the cabbage white butterfly, one of the most common butterflies in Minnesota gardens. The caterpillar is velvety green with a faint yellow stripe running along the back and sides, blending almost perfectly with the leaves of its host plants. Its smooth, unassuming appearance belies the significant feeding damage it can cause.

Host plants include cabbage, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, cauliflower, and related brassicas. Multiple generations occur each season in Minnesota, with populations peaking in midsummer. Gardeners can monitor plants by looking for small, pale yellow eggs laid singly on leaf surfaces, and for the characteristic frass left by feeding larvae. Row covers applied before adult butterflies arrive offer reliable protection.

Pro Tip: Hand-picking imported cabbageworms early in the morning when they are less active is one of the most effective low-effort controls for small gardens. Check the undersides of leaves carefully, as the green larvae camouflage well.

13. Tobacco Budworm

The tobacco budworm (Chloridea virescens) is a moth caterpillar that primarily targets flower buds and developing fruits, making it a frustrating pest for Minnesota gardeners growing petunias, geraniums, and tobacco. The caterpillar is variable in color—ranging from pale green to brown or reddish—with faint longitudinal stripes and a granular texture to its skin.

Damage is most evident when buds fail to open or show ragged holes before they unfurl. The caterpillar feeds from inside the bud, making it difficult to spot until damage is already done. In Minnesota, populations build through the summer and are most problematic in August. Because this species has developed resistance to some synthetic insecticides, Bt-based products remain among the most reliable management tools.

14. Giant Leopard Moth Caterpillar

The giant leopard moth (Hypercompe scribonia) caterpillar is one of Minnesota’s most striking fuzzy caterpillars—a large, densely bristled larva covered in glossy black hairs with vivid red or orange rings visible between its segments when it curls into a defensive ball. This curling behavior, combined with the bright warning coloration, deters most predators effectively.

It is a generalist feeder, consuming dandelion, plantain, violet, and various garden plants. Like the woolly bear, it overwinters as a larva and is often encountered crossing trails and roads in autumn as it searches for a sheltered overwintering spot. The adult moth is a stunning white species with bold black spots—one of the most visually impressive moths in the eastern United States. Those interested in caterpillars in neighboring Wisconsin will find this species there as well.

15. Curve-lined Owlet Moth Caterpillar

The curve-lined owlet moth (Phyprosopus callitrichoides) caterpillar is one of Minnesota’s more unusual-looking species. Its body is adorned with long, curved, hair-like extensions that give it an almost abstract appearance, resembling a piece of dead plant material or a tangle of debris rather than a living insect. This cryptic disguise is highly effective against visually hunting predators.

The species feeds primarily on greenbrier (Smilax spp.), which limits its distribution to areas where this vine grows. It is not commonly encountered but is a rewarding find for those searching carefully in woodland edges and thickets. The adult moth is equally cryptic, with intricate brown and white wing patterns that mimic bark or dried leaves.

16. Variegated Fritillary Caterpillar

The variegated fritillary (Euptoieta claudia) produces a caterpillar that is boldly patterned with alternating red-orange and white banding, accented by rows of black spines running the length of its body. The combination of spines and vivid coloration makes it one of the more visually dramatic caterpillars found in Minnesota’s open habitats.

Host plants include violets, passionflower, stonecrop, and purslane. In Minnesota, the variegated fritillary is primarily a late-summer visitor rather than a year-round resident, as populations move northward from southern states each season. Caterpillars are most likely to be found in open meadows, roadsides, and prairie remnants from July onward. Those exploring caterpillars in Iowa will find this species more consistently established to the south.

17. White-marked Tussock Moth Caterpillar

The white-marked tussock moth (Orgyia leucostigma) caterpillar is one of the most ornate larvae in Minnesota—a true showpiece of caterpillar evolution. Its body features four dense white or cream-colored tufts along the back, a bright red head, two long black hair pencils projecting forward from the thorax, and a single long pencil at the tail. Yellow and red spots and additional black tufts complete the ensemble.

This species feeds on a wide variety of deciduous and coniferous trees, including oak, elm, maple, and spruce. The hairs can cause skin irritation and allergic reactions in some people, so handling is inadvisable. The female moth is wingless and lays her eggs directly on her cocoon, covering them with a frothy mass and hairs from her own body—an unusual reproductive strategy.

Common Mistake: People sometimes confuse the white-marked tussock moth caterpillar with the banded tussock moth caterpillar. The key difference is the red head and the four distinct white dorsal tufts, which are unique to the white-marked species.

18. American Dagger Moth Caterpillar

The American dagger moth (Acronicta americana) caterpillar is a familiar sight in Minnesota’s hardwood forests and suburban yards. It is densely covered in soft, pale yellow or white hairs, with several long black hair pencils projecting from the body—one near the head, one near the tail, and a pair in the middle of the back. These black pencils are the key identification feature.

Host plants include oak, maple, elm, hickory, and alder. Despite its fluffy appearance, the hairs of this caterpillar can cause skin irritation in some individuals, and the black pencil hairs in particular should not be handled carelessly. The species is most commonly encountered in late summer when larvae are fully grown and searching for pupation sites in leaf litter or loose bark.

19. Io Moth Caterpillar

The io moth (Automeris io) caterpillar is one of Minnesota’s few genuinely stinging caterpillars. The mature larva is bright green with a white and red lateral stripe and is covered in clusters of sharp, hollow spines connected to venom glands. Contact with these spines delivers a painful sting comparable to a bee sting, causing localized burning, redness, and swelling.

Host plants are diverse and include corn, rose, clover, willow, and various other plants. The caterpillar’s warning coloration—vivid green with contrasting stripes—serves as an honest signal to predators. Field observers should admire io moth caterpillars visually rather than attempting to handle them. Despite the sting, the adult io moth is a beautiful species, with large eyespots on its hindwings that flash open to startle predators. For comparison, readers can explore stinging caterpillars found in Michigan as well.

Important Note: If contact with io moth caterpillar spines occurs, do not rub the area. Use tape or a fine-toothed comb to remove embedded spines, then wash the area with soap and water. Seek medical attention if severe reactions develop.

20. Luna Moth Caterpillar

The luna moth (Actias luna) is one of North America’s most celebrated giant silk moths, and its caterpillar is equally impressive. The mature larva is a vivid, almost luminous green with yellow lateral lines and small reddish-orange spots along the sides, each spot ringed in yellow. The body is plump and robust, reaching up to three and a half inches in length.

In Minnesota, luna moth caterpillars feed on walnut, hickory, birch, and persimmon. They are solitary and well-camouflaged among green foliage, making them difficult to spot despite their size. When disturbed, they produce a clicking sound by snapping their mandibles—an unusual defensive behavior. The species completes one generation per year in Minnesota, with caterpillars most visible in midsummer before spinning their papery cocoons in leaf litter.

21. Polyphemus Moth Caterpillar

The polyphemus moth (Antheraea polyphemus) caterpillar is a plump, vivid green larva with yellow lateral lines, reddish-orange tubercles tipped in silver, and a brown head. It is one of the largest caterpillars regularly encountered in Minnesota, capable of reaching nearly four inches when fully grown. The species belongs to the same giant silk moth family as the cecropia and luna moths.

Host plants are varied and include oak, maple, birch, willow, and cherry. Polyphemus caterpillars are solitary and cryptic, spending most of their time feeding quietly among foliage. They produce a distinctive clicking sound when disturbed, similar to luna moth caterpillars. The adult moth is famous for its large, prominent eyespots—one on each hindwing—which inspired the name referencing the cyclops of Greek mythology.

22. Promethea Moth Caterpillar

The promethea moth (Callosamia promethea) caterpillar is a smooth, pale blue-green larva with four red knobby tubercles near the head and a single yellow tubercle near the tail, making it one of the more elegantly marked silk moth caterpillars in Minnesota. The body is waxy in appearance, giving it an almost plastic-like sheen in bright light.

Host plants include wild cherry, spicebush, tulip tree, and sassafras. The caterpillar constructs a distinctive overwintering cocoon that is attached to a twig with silk, causing the attached leaf to remain on the branch through winter—a helpful field identification clue even when the caterpillar itself is absent. The adult moths are sexually dimorphic, with males and females displaying strikingly different wing patterns. Those curious about related species can explore caterpillars in Illinois, where promethea moths are also well-documented.

23. Spicebush Swallowtail Caterpillar

The spicebush swallowtail (Papilio troilus) caterpillar is widely regarded as one of the most fascinating examples of mimicry in North American insects. The mature larva is smooth and green, with a swollen, snake-like thorax bearing two large, realistic false eyespots complete with dark pupils and white highlights. The resemblance to a small green snake is striking and effective.

Host plants are spicebush and sassafras in Minnesota. The caterpillar rests within a folded leaf it stitches together with silk, emerging to feed and retreating to its shelter between meals. Early instars are dark brown with a white saddle, mimicking bird droppings. The transformation from bird-dropping mimic to snake mimic across instars represents one of the most dramatic developmental changes in any North American caterpillar.

Key Insight: The spicebush swallowtail caterpillar’s false eyespots are not just visual—the swollen thorax creates a physical shape that reinforces the snake illusion when the caterpillar raises its head in a defensive posture.

24. Red Admiral Caterpillar

The red admiral butterfly (Vanessa atalanta) produces a caterpillar that is highly variable in color, ranging from dark gray-black to brownish or greenish, with rows of pale lateral spots and branched spines covering the body. The spines are not venomous but give the larva a formidable appearance. Each caterpillar constructs a characteristic leaf shelter by folding or rolling a nettle leaf and securing it with silk.

Stinging nettle is the primary host plant in Minnesota, though the species will also use false nettle and wood nettle. The caterpillar feeds from within its shelter, emerging to consume surrounding leaf tissue. Red admirals produce multiple generations in Minnesota each season, and caterpillars can be found from late spring through early fall wherever nettle patches grow along stream banks, woodland edges, and disturbed areas.

25. Painted Lady Caterpillar

The painted lady (Vanessa cardui) is one of the world’s most widespread butterflies, and its caterpillar reflects that adaptability. The larva is dark, often brownish-black or grayish, with a yellow lateral stripe and rows of branched black spines. Like the red admiral, it constructs a silk-tied leaf shelter on its host plant.

Host plants are remarkably diverse—thistle is the preferred choice in Minnesota, but the species also uses hollyhock, mallow, borage, and various other plants. Painted lady populations in Minnesota are not year-round residents; they migrate northward from the southwestern United States and Mexico each spring, with population sizes varying dramatically from year to year. In irruption years, caterpillars can be found in extraordinary numbers on thistle patches across the state. Readers interested in migration patterns can find related information about caterpillars in Canada, where painted ladies also reach in strong migration years.

26. Question Mark Caterpillar

The question mark butterfly (Polygonia interrogationis) takes its name from the silver punctuation mark on the underside of its hindwing—but its caterpillar is equally interesting. The larva is dark, often reddish-brown to black, with pale lateral spots and rows of orange-based branched spines that give it a spiky, defensive appearance.

Host plants in Minnesota include American elm, nettles, hackberry, and hops. Like other anglewing butterflies, question mark caterpillars are solitary feeders that do not construct communal webs or tents. The adult butterfly overwinters as an adult in Minnesota, sheltering in tree cavities and under bark—one of the few butterfly species in the state capable of surviving winter in adult form. For a broader look at related species, the complete caterpillar species guide offers additional context.

27. Eastern Comma Caterpillar

Closely related to the question mark, the eastern comma butterfly (Polygonia comma) produces a caterpillar that is similarly spiny and dark but tends to have more variable coloration—some individuals are nearly black while others show brownish or greenish tones with contrasting pale spots. The branched spines are a consistent feature across color forms.

Stinging nettle, false nettle, and hops are the primary host plants in Minnesota. Eastern comma caterpillars are solitary and reclusive, feeding within folded or rolled leaf shelters. The species produces two generations per year, with the second-generation adults overwintering. Both question mark and eastern comma caterpillars are often found in the same nettle patches, making careful observation necessary to distinguish the two species at the larval stage.

28. Hackberry Emperor Caterpillar

The hackberry emperor butterfly (Asterocampa celtis) is intimately tied to hackberry trees throughout its life cycle, and its caterpillar is no exception. The larva is green with pale yellow lateral stripes, a granular texture, and a distinctive forked tail at the rear end. Two short, knobby horns project from the head, giving it an unmistakable profile among green caterpillars.

Hackberry trees serve as the sole host plant, so the caterpillar’s distribution in Minnesota mirrors that of the tree—primarily in river corridors, floodplain forests, and urban areas where hackberry has been planted as a street tree. Late-instar caterpillars overwinter in leaf litter at the base of hackberry trees and resume feeding in spring. Those exploring caterpillars in Missouri will find hackberry emperors common throughout the Missouri River basin as well.

29. Gypsy Moth Caterpillar

The spongy moth (formerly known as the gypsy moth, Lymantria dispar) is an invasive species of significant concern in Minnesota. The caterpillar is dark and hairy, with five pairs of blue spots followed by six pairs of red spots running down its back—a reliable identification feature. Long, bristly hairs cover the body, and the hairs can cause skin and respiratory irritation in sensitive individuals.

This species is a voracious defoliator capable of consuming the leaves of hundreds of tree species, with oak being a primary target. Minnesota has been working to slow the spread of spongy moth through monitoring programs and public education. The Minnesota DNR tracks invasive insect species including spongy moth across the state, and residents are encouraged to report sightings. Egg masses—tan, felt-like patches on tree bark—are often the most visible sign of infestation.

Important Note: If spongy moth egg masses or caterpillars are found in Minnesota, residents are encouraged to report the location to the Minnesota Department of Agriculture’s Arrest the Pest reporting line to help track the spread of this invasive species.

30. Saddleback Caterpillar

The saddleback caterpillar (Acharia stimulea) is arguably the most distinctive stinging caterpillar found in Minnesota. Its body is brown at both ends with a vivid green middle section bearing a large brown oval spot in the center—the “saddle”—outlined in white. Dense clusters of venomous spines project from fleshy lobes at each end and along the sides, delivering a painful sting on contact.

Host plants are diverse, including corn, rose, apple, and various ornamental plants. The sting from a saddleback caterpillar is more intense than that of the io moth and can cause significant local pain, swelling, and in rare cases systemic reactions. Despite its small size—rarely more than an inch long—it demands respect. The adult moth is a nondescript brown species, giving little hint of the dramatic larva it produces. Those comparing stinging species across the region may find it useful to review caterpillars found in Tennessee, where the saddleback is also well documented.

Common Mistake: The saddleback caterpillar’s vivid coloration sometimes attracts curious handling. Never pick up a caterpillar with bright contrasting colors and visible spines—these are almost always honest warning signals of a sting or irritating hairs.

31. Tips for Identifying Caterpillars in Minnesota

Identifying caterpillars in the field requires attention to several key features working together. No single characteristic is usually enough on its own, but combining body shape, color pattern, hair type, host plant, and habitat narrows the possibilities quickly.

• Note the host plant: What the caterpillar is eating is often the single most useful identification clue. Many species have narrow host plant ranges that immediately eliminate dozens of possibilities.
• Observe hair and spine type: Smooth, fuzzy, tufted, and spiny caterpillars each represent different groups. The arrangement and color of hairs or spines add further precision.
• Look at color pattern: Stripes, spots, bands, and saddle markings are often species-specific. Note whether markings run lengthwise or across the body.
• Check the head capsule: Head color and markings—horns, eyespots, or simple coloration—provide additional diagnostic information.
• Consider seasonality: Many species have predictable windows of larval activity in Minnesota. A caterpillar encountered in May versus September narrows the field considerably.
• Use photographic resources: Apps like iNaturalist allow users to photograph and submit caterpillar sightings for community identification, building both personal knowledge and regional data.

Minnesota offers rich opportunities for caterpillar observation across all its major habitat types. From the boreal forests of the north to the prairie remnants of the southwest, each ecosystem hosts its own community of larval insects. Those interested in comparing Minnesota’s fauna with neighboring states can explore Wisconsin caterpillar species or the Iowa caterpillar guide for regional context.

Caterpillar	Key Identification Feature	Primary Host Plant	Stinging?
Monarch	Yellow, black, and white bands; black filaments	Milkweed	No
Black Swallowtail	Green with black bands and yellow/orange spots	Dill, parsley, carrot family	No
Eastern Tiger Swallowtail	Green with large false eyespots on thorax	Wild cherry, cottonwood	No
Cecropia Moth	Blue, yellow, red tubercles; pale green body	Wild cherry, maple, birch	No
Woolly Bear	Rust-orange middle band, black ends	Dandelion, plantain, clover	No
Banded Tussock Moth	Pale yellow with long white and black tufts	Alder, ash, birch, elm	Irritating hairs
Milkweed Tussock	Black, white, orange tufts; gregarious early	Milkweed	No
Forest Tent Caterpillar	Dark with white keyhole markings on back	Quaking aspen, oak	No
Eastern Tent Caterpillar	Dark with white dorsal stripe; builds silk tent	Wild cherry, apple	No
Fall Webworm	Pale with long white hairs; web over branch tips	Walnut, cherry, crabapple	No
Cabbage Looper	Green; loops when walking; white side stripe	Cabbage, broccoli, kale	No
Imported Cabbageworm	Velvety green with faint yellow stripe	Cabbage, broccoli, brassicas	No
Tobacco Budworm	Variable green to brown; feeds inside buds	Petunias, geraniums	No
Giant Leopard Moth	Black bristles; red/orange rings between segments	Dandelion, plantain, violet	No
Curve-lined Owlet Moth	Long curved hair extensions; cryptic appearance	Greenbrier	No
Variegated Fritillary	Red-orange and white bands; black spines	Violet, stonecrop	No
White-marked Tussock Moth	Red head; four white dorsal tufts; black pencils	Oak, elm, maple, spruce	Irritating hairs
American Dagger Moth	White/yellow hairs; black hair pencils	Oak, maple, elm	Irritating hairs
Io Moth	Green with white/red stripe; venomous spines	Corn, rose, willow	Yes
Luna Moth	Vivid green; yellow lateral lines; reddish spots	Walnut, hickory, birch	No
Polyphemus Moth	Green; yellow lines; silver-tipped red tubercles	Oak, maple, birch, willow	No
Promethea Moth	Blue-green; red tubercles near head; waxy sheen	Wild cherry, spicebush	No
Spicebush Swallowtail	Green; large realistic snake-like eyespots	Spicebush, sassafras	No
Red Admiral	Dark with pale spots; branched spines; nettle feeder	Stinging nettle	No
Painted Lady	Dark with yellow stripe; branched black spines	Thistle, mallow, hollyhock	No
Question Mark	Dark reddish-brown; orange-based branched spines	Elm, nettles, hackberry	No
Eastern Comma	Variable dark coloring; branched spines; nettle feeder	Stinging nettle, hops	No
Hackberry Emperor	Green; forked tail; twin head horns	Hackberry	No
Spongy Moth	Dark; blue then red paired spots on back; hairy	Oak and many others	Irritating hairs
Saddleback	Brown ends; vivid green saddle; venomous spines	Corn, rose, apple	Yes

Minnesota’s caterpillar diversity reflects the state’s ecological richness. From the iconic monarch to the fearsome saddleback, each species has evolved a unique set of strategies for survival—camouflage, chemical defense, mimicry, and communal living among them. Observers at every level, from backyard gardeners to dedicated field naturalists, will find that paying closer attention to these larval insects opens up an entirely new dimension of the natural world. For a broader look at larval diversity across the region, the Minnesota caterpillar identification resource and guides to caterpillars in Michigan and caterpillars in Maine offer useful regional comparisons.