Alaska is home to a wide variety of wildlife, including insects. One of the most fascinating insects in Alaska is the caterpillar.
There are many types of caterpillars in Alaska you don’t know. As the larvae of butterflies and moths, caterpillars can be seen in many different shapes and sizes.
This guide will look at some of Alaska’s most common types of caterpillars and discuss their habits and habitats.
Whether you’re a nature enthusiast or just curious about these amazing creatures, this guide will provide an overview of the types of caterpillars that call Alaska home.
1. White Admiral Caterpillar
The White Admiral Caterpillar is the starter of this list of the types of caterpillars in Alaska. Its black body, yellow-orange marks, and thin white stripes along the edges can identify this caterpillar.
The White Admiral Caterpillar feeds on various trees, including willow, aspen, birch, and poplar. It has also been found feeding on herbaceous plants.
Once fully grown, the White Admiral Caterpillar will enter the pupal stage before transforming into an adult butterfly. This caterpillar species is found primarily in the boreal forest of Alaska.
It is most active during the late summer months when the temperatures are still warm enough for them to feed and develop.
The White Admiral Caterpillar can be an interesting species to observe and photograph as it goes through its metamorphosis.
The adult butterflies can be seen flitting through the treetops for nectar. If you’re lucky enough to spot one, you’ll be rewarded with an amazing sight!
2. Yellow-Necked Caterpillar
The yellow-necked caterpillar is a common species found throughout Alaska. Its yellow neck and black stripes can identify it on its body.
Its yellow markings stand out against the background of the dark green trees and foliage of the state’s forests.
The caterpillars in Alaska feed on various leaves and twigs, including those of the birch and aspen trees.
They have often seen feeding during summer when temperatures are warmer and food sources are plentiful.
The yellow-necked caterpillar can grow about one inch long, with a distinctively yellow head and black bands on its body. It has small hairs that are densely packed along its body.
The caterpillar is also known for its unique defensive behavior when threatened: it rolls up into a ball and plays dead until the danger passes.
This caterpillar species is an important part of the Alaska ecosystem, helping to keep the forest healthy by eating plants and promoting growth.
3. Variegated Fritillary Butterfly Caterpillar
The Variegated Fritillary butterfly caterpillar is native to Alaska. Its bright yellow, black, and orange stripes easily identify it, accentuating a white fringe along the side.
Its head is yellow and has two tufts of reddish-orange hair on its back. The caterpillar feeds mainly on violets but eats other plants like milkweed and nettles.
The caterpillar will form a chrysalis in late summer, from which a beautiful orange and black butterfly emerges in the fall.
These caterpillars can be found in gardens and meadows in Alaska, often in large numbers.
If you spot these caterpillars in Alaska, don’t touch or disturb them; they can bite if disturbed.
Take the time to observe and appreciate these lovely creatures, as they will soon become beautiful butterflies.
4. Two-Tailed Swallowtail Caterpillar
The two-tailed swallowtail caterpillar is one of Alaska’s most common types of caterpillars. It has a yellow body with black stripes running lengthwise and two red spots near the head.
It feeds on the leaves of various species of wildflowers, including goldenrod, thistles, dandelion, fireweed, and dogbane.
These caterpillars will also feed on garden plants, like lettuce, parsley, and carrots. After reaching maturity, they will form a chrysalis from which the butterfly emerges.
The adult butterflies are large with bright yellow wings that have two tails. They are an important source of pollination in the state.
5. Bent-Line Gray Moth Caterpillar
The Bent-line Gray Moth Caterpillar is also one of Alaska’s most common types of caterpillars.
It can be found in all habitats, including forests, meadows, and even urban areas. The caterpillar is light grey with dark spots and has two lines running down its body.
Its head is yellow with a brown stripe, and its abdomen is dark grey. This caterpillar species feeds on various plants, including birch, poplar, and willow.
It is also known to feed on the sap of trees. When the caterpillar reaches maturity, it spins a silken cocoon and enters the pupal stage before emerging as an adult moth.
The Bent-line Gray Moth Caterpillar is a beneficial insect, as it helps to reduce the population of harmful leaf-eating pests. It is also an important food source for small birds, reptiles, and amphibians.
Although this type of caterpillar can be seen during the summer months in Alaska, it is most active in the spring and fall.
With its distinctive look and beneficial nature, the Bent-line Gray Moth Caterpillar is an important part of Alaska’s ecosystem.
6. Banded Woollybear Caterpillar
The Banded Woollybear caterpillar is a species of woollybear caterpillars found in Alaska. They are commonly brown with thin black bands around their body, hence their name.
The woolly bear caterpillar is found in coniferous forests, spruce, hemlock, and meadows.
These furry caterpillars feed on leaves from a variety of plant species. They can reach a length of about 2 inches when fully grown.
Banded Woollybear caterpillars are a common sight in the summer and can be seen moving around on the ground.
These caterpillars can cause damage to the plants they feed on by defoliating them, but this is generally only an issue with small-scale gardens or other areas with little plant diversity.
It is important to remember that they are part of the food web and provide important nutrition to birds and other predators. It is best to leave them alone if possible so they can go about their business.
7. Afflicted Dagger Moth Caterpillar
On this list of the numerous types of caterpillars in Alaska, the Afflicted Dagger Moth Caterpillar is a moth species found in Alaska.
They can range from 1-2 inches long and come in shades of gray and white. Its body is covered in small, spiny protrusions that give it a unique appearance.
While the Afflicted Dagger Moth Caterpillar is not poisonous, its spikes may cause irritation or a rash if touched.
The Afflicted Dagger Moth Caterpillar is most commonly found in deciduous forests, where it feeds on birch, willow, alder, aspen, and poplar leaves.
In addition to its native range, the caterpillar has been known to migrate to other areas of Alaska and even Canada.
While they are considered pests by some, their presence is generally beneficial as they help to reduce plant populations and keep populations of other insect species in check.
8. American Lady Caterpillar
The American Lady Caterpillar is one of Alaska’s many types of caterpillars. This species of caterpillar is found mainly in forested areas, as well as on lawns and other low-lying vegetation.
Its distinctive features include a yellow head with black eyes, a white body covered with tufts of fur, and four pairs of black stripes running down its back.
It reaches about 1.5 inches when full-grown and has a wingspan of up to three inches.
The adult American Lady butterfly can be identified by its orange wings, which have black borders along the tips and white spots at the base.
The female’s wingspan can reach up to three inches, while the male can reach only two inches. The caterpillar feeds on various plants, including grasses, sedges, and clover.
This butterfly species is common in Alaska but also throughout North America.
9. American Lappet Moth Caterpillar
The American Lappet Moth Caterpillar is a type of caterpillar found in Alaska. These caterpillars are easily recognizable by their distinctive white, yellow, and black stripes.
They feed on willow, poplar, cottonwood leaves, and various other vegetation.
They can also be found in moist environments like marshes, ponds, and streams. The American Lappet Moth Caterpillar is a favorite food source for many different species of birds, so it is important to protect this species from over-harvesting.
The American Lappet Moth Caterpillar is relatively small and can range in size from less than an inch to up to four inches in length.
They are usually quite colorful, with white and yellowish stripes and black dots on the body. Their legs are usually short, with bright yellow spines that protect them from predators.
These caterpillars in Alaska can often be found in large groups, clustering together in the same area as they feed.
10. Blinded Sphinx Moth Caterpillar
The Blinded Sphinx Moth caterpillar is native to Alaska and one of the region’s most common caterpillars. This caterpillar can be found in Alaska’s woods, fields, and gardens.
It has a light green body with dark stripes running lengthwise along its body. The head of this caterpillar is dark in color, with a distinctive horn that protrudes from it.
These particular caterpillars in Alaska feed on many different types of plants, including clover, asters, and yarrow.
The Blinded Sphinx Moth caterpillar is a beneficial species for Alaska because it helps control certain plant pests that can cause damage to crops.
This caterpillar also helps to add beauty and life to gardens and forests as it crawls around in search of food.
As these caterpillars molt and grow, they form an interesting cocoon before emerging as a beautiful moth.
If you encounter one of these little critters in the wild, take the time to observe them!
11. Camouflaged Emerald Moth Caterpillar
The Camouflaged Emerald Moth Caterpillar is one of Alaska’s most beautiful types of caterpillars.
This type of caterpillar is often found on the underside of leaves, where it will blend in with its surroundings. It is most commonly seen during the warmer months of spring and summer.
The Camouflaged Emerald Moth Caterpillar has a bright green body and yellow-green head. Its back is covered with small white bumps that help it blend in with its environment.
The Camouflaged Emerald Moth Caterpillar feeds on the foliage of various trees and shrubs, including birch, larch, spruce, and fir.
This type of caterpillar can be very damaging to foliage if left unchecked. Removing infested plants or applying insecticides when necessary is important to control this pest.
If you find this caterpillar in your garden or landscape, it is best to contact a professional for advice on handling the situation.
12. Cecropia Silkmoth Caterpillar
The Cecropia Silkmoth Caterpillar is one of the Alaska region’s most striking and eye-catching caterpillars.
Its bright orange is a clear giveaway of its presence and is easily spotted in the wild. These caterpillars feed on many plants, such as willows, alders, maples, birch, and cherry.
The cocoons they spin are large, brown, and fluffy and can be found on many types of trees. They have a slow growth rate, so if you spot one, you can expect it to be there for quite some time.
When fully grown, they will emerge as the spectacular Cecropia Moth, a beautiful moth species.
The Cecropia Moth is one of Alaska’s most fascinating creatures. This insect has a wingspan of up to five inches and is mostly nocturnal.
Its body is covered in long brown and orange fur-like scales, giving it a unique and beautiful look.
Like other types of caterpillars in Alaska, its diet consists mostly of leaves, but it also feeds on fruits and even the sap from certain trees.
In addition to its striking appearance, this moth also produces a strong scent to attract potential mates.
The Cecropia Silk Moth Caterpillar is an incredible sight and a great reminder of the beauty and diversity of wildlife in Alaska.
13. Common Buckeye Butterfly Caterpillar
The Common Buckeye Butterfly Caterpillar is also one of Alaska’s different types of caterpillars.
It is usually brown and can have a range of yellow and orange markings on its body. The larvae feed on various plants, including nettles, plantain, and thistle.
They are most active during the summer when they can be seen in gardens, meadows, and other areas.
The caterpillars can reach up to two inches long before forming their chrysalis and eventually emerge as adult butterflies.
These caterpillars can be identified by the two large eyespots located near their head. They also have two antennae-like appendages near their head, which they use to sense vibrations.
The Common Buckeye Butterfly Caterpillar is a beneficial insect that helps control plant-eating pests.
It is important to leave these caterpillars alone so that they can do their job of protecting the environment.
14. False Unicorn Caterpillar
The False Unicorn caterpillar, also known as the Io Moth caterpillar, is one of the types of caterpillars in Alaska.
It is a unique caterpillar with an overall yellow or tan coloration, bright red spots, and two long “horns” extending from its back end.
Its body is covered in short black spikes and has two long antennae used to sense danger.
The False Unicorn caterpillar can be found in open meadows, woodlands, and areas of dense vegetation. It typically feeds on various plants and grasses, although it prefers clover.
The False Unicorn caterpillar is not considered a pest but is beneficial to local ecosystems as it helps control weed growth.
It is also a popular insect among children and adults alike due to its colorful appearance and unique body shape.
If you come across a False Unicorn caterpillar while out in the wilds of Alaska, it is best to leave it alone so that it can go about its natural life cycle.
15. Forest Tent Caterpillar
The forest tent caterpillar is an iconic species of moth found throughout the northern parts of the United States and Canada, including Alaska.
It can reach up to two inches long, with a distinct white and black pattern covering its body. They are herbivores, feeding on many plants and trees, including maples and oaks.
During late summer, they form large webs on tree trunks that can be seen from a distance.
Despite their size, the forest tent caterpillar is not usually considered a pest because their feeding habits rarely cause significant damage to trees or crops.
The larvae of the forest tent caterpillar pupate in July or August and emerge as adult moths during late summer.
Adult moths have large wingspans reaching up to four inches in length. They are most active during the night and are attracted to bright lights.
These are types of caterpillars in Alaska that feed on nectar from flowers and other plant sources.
In addition to providing food for other animals, the forest tent caterpillar is an important source of nutrition for various species of birds.
16. Galium Sphinx Moth Caterpillar
The galium sphinx moth caterpillar is an insect native to Alaska and can be found in most state regions.
The caterpillar is black and white, with a yellow underside and a wavy black-and-white pattern on its back. It has a very long tail, and its front legs are much shorter than the others.
When mature, the caterpillar will form a pupa that hangs from a branch or leaf. The adult moth will emerge after two weeks of development with a wingspan of around 3 inches.
The caterpillar feeds on various plants, such as raspberry, blueberry, currant bushes, and some conifers.
17. Genista Broom Moth Caterpillar
The Genista Broom Moth caterpillar is a species of moth found in Alaska. It has a distinct body shape with a large head and abdomen and a long, yellow, and black striped body.
The caterpillar has long red and yellow spines along the sides of its body and a reddish-orange underside.
Its wings are marked with a yellow band near the tip and a white fringe near the base. These caterpillars feed mainly on the leaves of certain plants like the Scotch broom and the bitterbrush.
The Genista Broom Moth caterpillar is an attractive species that has been documented to have been found in several areas of Alaska, including Fairbanks, Anchorage, Juneau, and Ketchikan.
This caterpillar is considered a pest as it can cause damage to crops and other plants. Aside from being a type of caterpillar in Alaska, they also produce silk, which can be used for weaving and spinning.
Adult moths are relatively short-lived and do not pose much of a threat to humans or animals.
However, keeping them away from plants and crops is important as they can cause considerable damage.
18. Hahncappsia Moth Caterpillar
The Hahncappsia Moth Caterpillar is found in Alaska, usually near trees and gardens. The caterpillar is white to greenish-yellow in color and is a native species of North America.
It is one of the more unique-looking species of caterpillars due to its tufts of soft, light brown hairs that look like feathers covering its body.
The adult moth has a wingspan of about an inch and a half, with the head and thorax greyish brown and the hindwings and abdomen white.
As it matures, it develops a bright orange head with yellow markings on its wings and legs.
This is on our list of the types of caterpillars in Alaska, and it feeds on various plants, including many weeds, flowers, and grasses.
19. Hitched Arches Moth Caterpillar
The Hitched Arches Moth Caterpillar is a type of caterpillar found in the wilderness of Alaska. It is typically black with yellow and orange stripes. The caterpillar has long, black bristles and white spots on its body.
These white spots help it blend in with the ground, allowing it to avoid predators. The larvae feed on shrubs, trees, and other foliage found in Alaska, such as alder and willow.
When fully grown, the Hitched Arches Moth Caterpillar transforms into an adult moth. This moth species is active during summer so that the caterpillars can be spotted from June to September.
If you want to know more about the types of caterpillars in Alaska, read further!
20. Hooded Owlet Moth Caterpillar
The Hooded Owlet Moth is a moth species native to Alaska. It is identifiable by its yellow and brown coloring and distinctive black-tipped antennae.
This moth is a nocturnal creature, and its caterpillar can be found in the summer months on various deciduous trees in the area.
The caterpillars are typically green and white striped, with long black spines covering their bodies.
The Hooded Owlet Moth caterpillar feeds on various tree leaves, including aspen, birch, and willow, and it prefers wetter habitats.
They are usually found in clusters on the bark of trees and will molt several times as they mature.
When fully grown, the caterpillars will spin a silken cocoon, often in the crevices of tree bark or among dead leaves. The adult moths emerge from the cocoons a few weeks later, searching for mates.
They are types of caterpillars in Alaska that can often fly around lights at night and are an important food source for local wildlife.
As an important part of the Alaska ecosystem, the Hooded Owlet Moth Caterpillar should be protected from harm and encouraged to thrive.
21. Monarch Butterfly Caterpillar
The Monarch butterfly caterpillar is an iconic type of caterpillar found in Alaska. These caterpillars are easily identifiable with their black and white stripes and large yellow spots.
Monarch caterpillars feed on the leaves of milkweed plants and can be found throughout the state.
In addition to Alaska, the Monarch butterfly can be seen in many other parts of the world.
Monarchs migrate to and from the state in the fall and spring, making them one of Alaska’s most recognizable types of caterpillars!
22. Owlet Moth Caterpillar
The Owlet Moth Caterpillar is one of Alaska’s many types of caterpillars. It has a long, slender body can range in color from pale yellow to bright green. Its head and thorax are usually a darker shade than its abdomen.
The caterpillar will feed on various plants, including grasses, legumes, and wildflowers. They may also feed on some cultivated crops. They often hide within the foliage during the day and come out at night to feed.
The Owlet Moth Caterpillar is a beneficial species because they help keep insect populations under control.
They feed on pests such as aphids, mealybugs, and spider mites. These caterpillars can be found throughout Alaska during the summer months and can be identified by their distinctive coloration and pattern.
They typically reach a length of up to two inches and can be observed feeding in gardens and parks throughout the state.
23. Pipevine Swallowtail Butterfly Caterpillar
The Pipevine Swallowtail Butterfly Caterpillar is found in western Alaska, including Juneau and Anchorage.
This caterpillar species is identified by its vivid black and yellow stripes running along its back. This species feeds mainly on pipevines, which grow in Alaska’s temperate rainforest habitats.
They are types of caterpillars in Alaska that can also be found in urban areas, feeding on the exotic pipevines in gardens.
The Pipevine Swallowtail Butterfly Caterpillar is easily recognizable with its black and yellow stripes.
They are usually around 1 inch long and may vary in color depending on their diet.
The caterpillar of this species goes through five instars before pupating in the summer months. The pupa is light brown with a metallic gold hue called “the gold bug.”
Adult Pipevine Swallowtails emerge in the late summer and migrate to warmer climates in the winter.
This butterfly species is widely admired for its striking coloration and graceful flying patterns.
It is an important pollinator in the Alaskan environment, helping to ensure the growth of many native plants.
24. Polyphemus Moth Caterpillar
The Polyphemus Moth Caterpillar is one of Alaska’s most recognizable types of caterpillars.
The caterpillar has a distinctive black-and-white striped pattern with a mottled brown body. The Polyphemus Moth Caterpillar can be found in forested areas across the state.
It can be identified by its large size (up to 3 inches long) and the single yellow spot on the back of its head.
The Polyphemus Moth Caterpillar feeds on various deciduous trees, shrubs, and flowers. In its later stages, the caterpillar forms a pupa and eventually emerges as a large grayish-brown moth.
25. Purslane Caterpillar
The purslane caterpillar is a species of caterpillar that can be found in Alaska and across the US. It belongs to the family Limacodidae and is the larva of the purslane moth.
The caterpillars are typically yellow-brown with bright red or orange spots and have tufts of white hair on their bodies.
The caterpillars feed on various plants, including dandelions, goldenrods, and purslane. They are one of the types of caterpillars in Alaska, usually found in gardens and other areas where these plants grow.
When the caterpillars are ready to pupate, they form a cocoon in the soil where they can safely transition into adult moths.
The purslane caterpillar has a unique defense mechanism that makes it difficult to avoid when gardening.
When disturbed, the caterpillar will roll up into a ball and secrete a sticky liquid from its spines that smells bad and makes it difficult for predators to eat.
This makes them an interesting addition to any garden and an important part of Alaska’s ecosystem.
26. Red Admiral Butterfly Caterpillar
The Red Admiral Butterfly Caterpillar is a type of caterpillar found in Alaska. It has a black head, a yellowish-green body, and yellow stripes down the sides.
This caterpillar grows to a length of 2 inches and feeds on nettles, violets, lilac, and willow leaves.
The caterpillar is most active during summer and is a popular food source for birds and other predators.
The adult Red Admiral Butterfly can be seen flying throughout the summer months in Alaska. Overall, this is not left out of the list of the types of caterpillars in Alaska!
27. Red-Humped Caterpillar
The Red-humped Caterpillar (Schizura concinna) is a common caterpillar species in Alaska.
This caterpillar species is easily recognized by its bright red and black colors and the white hair covering its body. It feeds on many trees, including maple, ash, oak, and elm.
The adult moth of this species is brown with dark spots on its wings and is typically seen in wooded areas in the summer months.
Red-humped caterpillars, one of the various types in Alaska, are usually seen in late summer through early autumn.
They can often be found on tree trunks or nearby vegetation during the day, but at night, they make their way to higher levels of the tree to feed.
When threatened, the red-humped caterpillar will rear up and curl its tail over its head in defense. Its vibrant colors make it an interesting caterpillar species to observe in Alaska.
28. Scalloped Sallow Moth Caterpillar
The Scalloped Sallow Moth Caterpillar is a species of moth found in Alaska. These caterpillars are typically dark green and feature a banded pattern on their back, bordered by a white line.
They also feature a redhead and two black horn-like protrusions at the end of their abdomen.
This species is usually found on willow, birch, and cottonwood trees and can be seen throughout summer.
There are likewise types of caterpillars in Alaska that feed on the leaves of these trees and can cause minor damage to them.
These caterpillars are not considered major pests in Alaska and are generally harmless to humans.
However, it is important to be aware of their presence since they can still cause some damage to plants.
When found, it is best to avoid them and take caution when handling them, as they can deliver an irritating sting if provoked.
29. Silver-Spotted Skipper Caterpillar
The silver-spotted skipper caterpillar is one of Alaska’s many types of caterpillars. Its black and yellow-striped body and distinctive silver spots can identify this colorful species.
The silver-spotted skipper caterpillar is known to feed on various species of plants, such as aster and willow.
When disturbed, the silver-spotted skipper caterpillar will curl into a tight ball, using its bright coloration as a defense mechanism.
Its pupal stage occurs in the soil, eventually emerging as an adult silver-spotted skipper butterfly.
The silver-spotted skipper caterpillar is a common sight in Alaska during summertime when they actively search for food and mates.
It is a beneficial insect, providing valuable pollination services to plants in the area.
This type of caterpillar can often be spotted flying or crawling near streams or rivers, where they are likely to find a variety of plant species to feed on.
It is important to remember that although these caterpillar species are considered harmless, they should still be handled with care due to their defensive nature.
30. Slug Caterpillar
The slug caterpillar is a type of caterpillar found in Alaska. It is also known as the Saddleback Caterpillar because of its unusual shape, similar to a small green and brown saddle with several black spots.
This caterpillar can reach up to 2 cm long and feeds on various plants, including dandelions, buttercups, goldenrods, and alfalfa.
While this caterpillar is relatively harmless to humans, it can cause damage to crops. If you encounter a slug caterpillar in your garden or yard, moving it away from any vegetation you want to keep healthy is best.
Looking for the different types of caterpillars in Alaska? Here’s one!
31. Spiny Elm Caterpillar
The Spiny Elm Caterpillar is next to be discussed on this list of the types of caterpillars in Alaska. It is usually black and white but can also be yellow and brown.
Its distinguishing feature is its spikes, located along the length of its body and covering its head.
This caterpillar feeds mainly on elm trees but can also feed on other trees, such as ash, cottonwood, and willow.
It has a distinct larval form that is quite different from other types of caterpillars. Its color changes depending on the season, from black and white in summer to yellow or brown in winter.
32. Spotted Tussock Moth Caterpillar
The spotted tussock moth caterpillar is a type of caterpillar found in Alaska. It is a striking creature, with bright yellow-orange and black stripes across its body and long tufts of hair extending from its back.
The hairs on the caterpillar contain urticating bristles, which can irritate humans when touched.
The caterpillars are typically found on the underside of leaves, often near their food source of deciduous trees.
When disturbed, these caterpillars in Alaska may raise their heads and front legs as a defense.
The spotted tussock moth caterpillar is a beneficial insect, helping to keep tree leaves healthy by feeding on them and controlling populations of other insects.
Adult moths will emerge from their cocoons in the summertime, ready to lay eggs for the next generation.
This caterpillar species plays an important role in the balance of nature and should be respected for its beauty and ecological importance.
33. Tiger Moth Caterpillar
The tiger moth caterpillar is found throughout Alaska, and it is one of the region’s most common types of caterpillars.
These caterpillars are bright green with yellow or orange stripes and a yellow stripe running along their backs. The head is black, and its body is covered in yellow spines.
Moreover, they feed on various plants, including grasses and herbs, and can grow up to 2 inches long.
In their adult form, these moths have brown wings with cream-colored spots and a white stripe around their abdomen.
The tiger moth caterpillar has several predators, including birds, small mammals, and even some other species of caterpillars.
Parasites or parasitoids may also attack them. The tiger moth caterpillar may curl into a ball or squirt out fluid to deter its attacker if threatened. The adults are active during the day, searching for nectar and pollen.
They are important pollinators of many native plants in Alaska and can benefit gardeners who want to attract beneficial insects.
34. Thistle Caterpillar
The Thistle Caterpillar is a moth native to Alaska and can be found in abundance across the region.
The caterpillars are brownish with yellow or orange stripes running down their sides. These caterpillars in Alaska can reach up to 2 inches, lasting 3-5 weeks.
They feed on various thistles and other plants during this time, maturing quickly into adult moths.
Thistle caterpillars are important pollinators and help to provide food for birds, mammals, and other animals.
As a result, they play a key role in keeping Alaska’s ecosystem healthy and thriving.
