Milkweed Eats: Native Insects Take Center Stage in Ohio Gardens
A Master Gardener Volunteer in Ohio discovered a colony of caterpillars on her milkweed plants, which she initially thought were Monarch caterpillars. However, after getting feedback from another gardener, she realized they were actually Milkweed Tussock moth caterpillars.
The Milkweed Tussock moth (Euchaetes egle) caterpillar is native to the region and has distinctive black, white, and orange tufts of hair that signal its toxicity. These urticating hairs can cause an uncomfortable rash if handled without proper precautions.
According to Joe Boggs of The Ohio State University, Milkweed Tussock caterpillars are 'ravenous eaters' and 'serious competitors to Monarchs.' They feed on milkweed leaves, stripping them to the veins, and also emit an ultrasonic wave that warns bats to stay away at night.