Explore Ohio Outdoors

09/10/2026

Virginia Creeper Sphinx Moth Caterpillar

09/10/2026

Caterpillar Appreciation Post #19

The next caterpillar in the lineup is the Virginia Creeper Sphinx Moth. These chubby guys are hornworms, so they have that little tail on the back. Their striped appearance helps them blend in with leaves. They can be very hard to spot.

The Virginia Creeper Sphinx Moth caterpillars start out tiny and green, and as they grow, you can find them in a variety of different colors. You can find them munching on Virginia creeper and grape leaves.

09/10/2026

What Is It Wednesday features the Blue Dasher skimmer. Males are easy to spot with their bright blue bodies, yellow-striped thorax, and metallic green eyes. Females look different, with a brown-and-yellow striped abdomen and red eyes, and both can take on a frosted look as they age. They are quick, curious dragonflies that love calm water and are always fun to watch.

09/09/2026

Milkweed Tussock Moth Caterpillar

09/09/2026

Caterpillar Appreciation Post #18

The next cutie in the caterpillar appreciation lineup is the Milkweed Tussock Moth. They show up in groups, settle in, and start eating like crazy.

They start out tiny and plain. Then turn into fuzzy little caterpillars with tufts sticking out everywhere. They’re one of the few caterpillars that can chow down on milkweed. Thanks to the toxins in the plant, predators know to leave them alone.

09/08/2026

Caterpillar Appreciation Post #17

The next colorful caterpillar is the Brown-hooded Owlet. It has a long body with red, yellow, black, and white stripes. These caterpillars often stretch themselves along stems and twigs. They’re really good at hiding in plain sight.

They hang out on goldenrod, aster, and other late‑summer plants. You can sometimes find them when checking out low vegetation.

09/07/2026

09/07/2026

Caterpillar Appreciation Post #16

The next little cutie is the Saddleback caterpillar, and this one is my favorite. Nothing else looks like it. That bright green saddle with the brown center makes it look like it’s wearing a tiny costume.

This is also one of the caterpillars that can send you to the hospital if you touch it. Those spines mean business. It’s the perfect mix of adorable and “do not touch.”

09/06/2026

Caterpillar Appreciation Post #15

The next caterpillar is the Beautiful Wood Nymph. They are bright and bold with thick orange bands, thin white and black bands, and black spots. They have an orange head and legs.

They feed on grapevines, Virginia creeper, hops, buttonbush, and a few other vines, so they’re pretty common. They’re a surprisingly beautiful caterpillar that eventually turns into a moth that pretends to be bird p**p.