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Monarch larvae? #881024

Asked August 11, 2024, 1:15 PM EDT

I find these furry creatures on our milkweed plants. They don’t look like the typical monarch caterpillar. What are these cute things?

Dakota County Minnesota

Expert Response

I believe they are ladybug larvae: https://www.thespruce.com/recognize-lady-beetle-ladybug-nymphs-1402696
Barbara, Anoka County MG, TCA Replied August 11, 2024, 9:43 PM EDT
I believe they are ladybug larvae: https://www.thespruce.com/recognize-lady-beetle-ladybug-nymphs-1402696
Barbara, Anoka County MG, TCA Replied August 12, 2024, 11:49 AM EDT
I was wrong in my ID of your bugs.  They actually are milkweed tussock moth larvae:

https://hgic.clemson.edu/milkweed-tussock-moth-caterpillars/



Barbara, Anoka County MG, TCA Replied August 12, 2024, 11:50 AM EDT
I think this one-inch long larva is much too large for a ladybug larva.  I’ve found a photo that makes it clear it’s a milkweed tiger moth larva.

Sent from my iPad

On Aug 12, 2024, at 10:49 AM, Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:


The Question Asker Replied August 12, 2024, 12:06 PM EDT

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