8 Crazy Cool Caterpillars You Could Find in Your Backyard

Get the lowdown on these bizarre, crawly creatures—from plump and stripy to horned and dangerous. And see the adult moths and butterflies they transform into.

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1:MINDEN/2:MATT JEPPSON/SHUTTERSTOCK

Regal Moth

Nicknamed hickory horned devils, these caterpillars grow up to 6 inches long. Despite their fearsome look and size, they’re harmless to humans. But for potential predators, bright colors and gigantic horns are a clear sign to stay away. When disturbed, these bugs make a loud rapid clicking noise for good measure.

Range: Eastern United States

Host Plants: Hickory, walnut, persimmon and sycamore

Discover the colorful moths you can see during daytime.

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1/2: CATHY KEIFER/SHUTTERSTOCK

Cecropia Moth

Cecropia silk moths have a wingspan up to 7 inches, and their caterpillars are almost as enormous. In its later stages, the larva’s blue-green body is covered in large colorful bumps called tubercles. The tiny hairs they sport are harmless to humans.

Range: Eastern United States and Canada

Host Plants: Maple, cherry, birch and others

Did you know? National Moth Week is July 20-28. Leave a porch light on or hang a white sheet and shine a black light on it to get the best view of moths at night. Plus: Where do caterpillars come from?

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1: KRISTEN GILPIN/2:KEVIN COLLISON/SHUTTERSTOCK

Spicebush Swallowtail

What appear to be giant eyes are really just eyespots to fool predators into thinking this insect is much larger than it is. These creatures roll leaves around their bodies to create safe shelters to eat and rest. Later stages of this caterpillar are bright green, turning a brilliant orange just before the final molt into a chrysalis.

Range: Eastern United States

Host Plants: Spicebush, camphor, sassafras, sweet bay and tulip tree

Meet 6 common swallowtail butterflies you should know.

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1:ERIC SCOTT GILLIN/SHUTTERSTOCK/2:GLASS AND NATURE/SHUTTERSTOCK

Isabella Tiger Moth

Woolly bear is the popular name for Isabella tiger moth caterpillars. Folklore says the wider the dark stripes, the harder the coming winter. In reality, the dark brown band on woolly bears merely widens as they grow throughout the season. Isabella tiger moths overwinter as caterpillars, freezing solid and thawing in the spring to continue eating and growing.

Range: United States and lower Canada

Host Plants: Generalist feeder—eats a large variety of plants and trees

These 12 pictures will change the way you look at moths.

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1:FRODE JACOBSEN/SHUTTERSTOCK 2: ROLF NUSSBAUMER

Io Moth

In nature, bright colors often signal to predators that an animal is toxic, and that’s definitely the case with io (pronounced EYE-oh) caterpillars. The bright green spikes are covered in tiny hairs that release toxins when touched. It causes excruciating pain in humans and other predators, so hands off!

Range: Eastern United States

Host Plants: Hackberry, willow, redbud, mesquite and more

See what a sphinx moth caterpillar and pupa looks like.

Polyphemus Moth
1: JILL STAAKE 2: RICK & NORA BOWERS/ALMAY STOCK PHOTO

Polyphemus Moth

This unique caterpillar boasts a lime green hue and geometric shape instead of the usual rounded body. The adult moth is one of the largest in North America, with a wingspan of nearly 6 inches. Silk moths like the polyphemus don’t eat when they are adults, so their larvae are especially voracious. Polyphemus caterpillars grow up to 4 inches long.

Range: United States and lower Canada

Host Plants: Birch, willow, maple, oak and others

Want to attract more caterpillars? Plant a caterpillar cafe in your butterfly garden.

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1: MICHAEL TURCO 2: BILL JOHNSON

Atala Hairstreak

As you might guess, its bright colors are a warning­—this little creature carries toxins in its body, but it’s safe to touch. Atala butterflies were nearly wiped out in the 20th century due to habitat destruction, but they are making a comeback in southern Florida and spreading north. Newly hatched caterpillars are light tan and relatively unimpressive, but they grow into their fantastic color in a day or two.

Range: Southern Florida and a few Caribbean islands

Host Plants: Coontie and other cycads

Meet 11 kinds of butterflies you should know.

Question Mark

This insect is carpeted in tiny, nonvenomous spikes that make it an unfortunate mouthful for most predators to swallow. They also are smaller than most larvae shown here, topping out at about 13/4 inches long, and varying in color. The caterpillars are black with white or yellow lines and sport barbs ranging from yellow to orange to black. You’re most likely to find these spiny bugs in yards next to moist woodlands. Learn more about comma and question mark butterflies.

Range: Eastern and southern United States, west to Arizona

Host Plants: Elm, hackberry, nettles and hops

Next, check out 17 beautiful butterfly pictures you HAVE to see.

The Family Handyman
Originally Published on The Family Handyman

Jill Staake
Jill Staake's lifelong love of nature turned into a career during the years she spent working with native Florida butterflies, caterpillars, and other wildlife at the Museum of Science & Industry in Tampa, Florida. During this time, she helped to maintain 30+ acres of gardens and backwoods, all carefully cultivated to support the more than 20 species of butterflies displayed indoors and out. She now writes for a variety of publications and sites on topics like gardening, birding, and education, among others.