When you step into your East Tennessee garden or explore the region’s lush forests, you’re entering a world where some of nature’s most fascinating transformations unfold daily. The caterpillars you encounter represent a critical life stage that will soon give way to beautiful butterflies and moths.
Understanding how to identify these species isn’t just about satisfying curiosity—it’s about recognizing which ones pose potential risks and which ones benefit your local ecosystem.
From the iconic Monarch caterpillar with its striking black, white, and yellow bands to the intimidating but harmless Hickory Horned Devil, each species tells a unique story of adaptation and survival…