Halysidota tessellaris

Ken Ramos · Post by **Ken Ramos** » Sun Sep 16, 2007 6:29 pm

Banded Tussock Moth Caterpillar. I see a lot of these things around here lately some are white, others a gold color. Anyone know the difference or is there one, other than just color that is?

Banded Tussock Caterpillars
Canon EOS 30D
Manual mode/hand held
1st image = 1/200 sec. @ f/11 ISO 100
2nd & 3rd = 1/200 sec. @ f/7.1 ISO 100
Canon EF 60mm f/2.8 Macro USM
Canon 430EX Speedlite @ -1/3
Late afternoon in shade

Adrian · Post by **Adrian** » Sun Sep 16, 2007 6:52 pm

lovely photographs and great dof the caterpilar is crisp in every photograph.

Ken Ramos · Post by **Ken Ramos** » Sun Sep 16, 2007 6:59 pm

Thanks Adrian

I was pleased at how these came out after processing.

beetleman · Post by **beetleman** » Mon Sep 17, 2007 3:11 am

Great photos Ken. Very nice details in the hairs, you can see how they radiate out.

Ken Ramos · Post by **Ken Ramos** » Mon Sep 17, 2007 3:23 am

Thanks Doug

The geometry of caterpillars like these is beautiful, though sometimes hard to capture just right.

salden · Post by **salden** » Mon Sep 17, 2007 3:30 am

Resembles the Milkweed moth, except for the color. They are pretty in any case.

jmlphoto · Post by **jmlphoto** » Mon Sep 17, 2007 12:40 pm

number two is excellent

Ken Ramos · Post by **Ken Ramos** » Mon Sep 17, 2007 5:50 pm

Thanks Sue and Jordan

From what I gather, you don't want to come into contact with these. Much like a Packsaddle to my understanding. They consume a good many strong alkaloids from decaying organic matter to use as a defense, in both the caterpillar and the adult moth.