Dasychira meridionalis
(Protostome)

This protostome was found at Lettuce Lake Park on August 26 at 5:28 PM. It was approximately 89 degrees; a hot day without rain. This organism was found on the boardwalk of the park, in a dry environment. The caterpillar had a dark body with a red head, the entire body projected mostly white but also black hairs. Additionally, two black "hair pencils" projected forward like antennae, dense tufts of hair (tussocks) on the back, and a fluffy tuft projected from the rear like a tail. Using these characteristics, this larvae was identified to be the Southern Tussock Moth (Dasychira meridionalis).

Identified using:
https://bugguide.net/node/view/47712/bgimage