Q: I found this caterpillar on an evergreen shrub. It’s 4+ inches long, with a diameter of just less than a quarter. Any ideas what it is?

A: I love fall caterpillars!! You’ve found the caterpillar of an imperial moth. It is totally harmless, except to the plants on which it feeds. There are so few of the creatures, though, there’s no need to kill them if seen.

Enjoy!

Imperial Moth Caterpillar

Orange Form of Imperial Moth Caterpillar