This beautiful caterpillar, which is often found on deciduous tree foliage in the late summer and fall, must be handled with care.
The larva has venomous barbs (urticarial hairs) which can cause a painful dermatitis (skin rash). Children must be warned about handling the saddleback or any of the similar slug caterpillars. Except for its sting, the saddleback is of little importance as a defoliator of shade trees since it is a solitary species.
