Caterpillars in Ohio – Most Common and Venomous

Learn more about some of the 150+ different Caterpillars in Ohio. We share the most unique and popular Caterpillars in Ohio. 

About Caterpillars in Ohio

Can you believe that there are at least 150 different caterpillar insects found in our state of Ohio? Usually, in mid to late summer and even early fall, you will spot some large and possibly unusually shaped and colorful caterpillars! 

Caterpillars are actually the larvae of moths and butterflies. Caterpillars feed on the leaves of trees, plants, shrubs, and more.  The type of leaves and plants vary based upon the species of caterpillar. 

While we can’t cover all of the types of caterpillars in Ohio, we are sharing some of the most common caterpillars and some of the venomous caterpillars in Ohio. 

Common Caterpillars in Ohio

If you love to be outdoors, whether at a metro park or walking the neighborhood, you just might see one of the common caterpillars. The Columbus Metro Parks created a printable guide to help identify the common caterpillars in Ohio.

Hickory Horned Devil Caterpillar

The name and the horns on this caterpillar lead you to believe it is one scary caterpillar. But that isn’t the case. This little big guy is actually harmless. It can get up to 6 inches long!

Eastern Black Swallowtail Caterpillar

This caterpillar likes to munch on carrots and citrus. It can grow up to 2 inches long. The adult butterfly that it grows into is stunningly beautiful. 

Painted Lady Caterpillar

This caterpillar likes to eat thistles, hollyhocks, and borages. This caterpillar can grow up to 1.5 inches long.

Zebra Swallowtail Caterpillar

This caterpillar likes to eat Pawpaw and can grow up to 2 inches long. It is another common caterpillar in Ohio.

Tiger Swallowtail Caterpillar

In the larval stage, the Tiger Swallowtail caterpillar likes to eat willow, poplar, cherry, tulip, basswood, and birch. The larval size is 2 inches.

Other Common Caterpillars in Ohio

Ohio Caterpillars video

Venomous Caterpillars in Ohio

When it comes to different types of Caterpillars in Ohio, the venomous ones should be at the top of the list for you to recognize! If you mistakenly touch one of these or any insect and you experience a rash, itching, burning, swelling, etc. please seek medical attention ASAP!

Saddleback Caterpillar

The Saddleback Caterpillar is best known for its venomous stinging spines. It feeds on a wide array of host plants. They are described as giving you a sting that you will not forget! The burning discomfort they provide can last for hours. 

Crowned Slug Caterpillar

While this has a slug in the name, it is actually a caterpillar. It is a stinging caterpillar. The sting can lead to pain, rash, burning, itching, swelling, and blistering. The symptoms from the Crowned Slug Caterpillar sting will go away usually within a day. 

Skiff Moth (Slug) Caterpillar

Slug Moth Caterpillars have venomous spines that stick out from their bodies. The Slug Moth is humped and has two ridges running end to end. It resembles a small overturned boat. Similar to the crowned slug, symptoms range from a rash, burning, itching, swelling, and blistering. 

Hag Moth Caterpillar (Monkey Slug)

The Hag Moth Caterpillars are almost creepy looking, they are such an odd shape. These are also called Monkey Slugs. They are pretty small, 1 inch in diameter. When not moving it might look like a dead leaf, but when moving its arms wave and it resembles a tarantula. 

White Flannel Moth Caterpillar

The White Flannel Moth Caterpillar is about one inch long, kinda cute but not so friendly! All those cute fluffy hairs are attached to glands that contain toxins!  

Black-waved Flannel Moth Caterpillar

Black Waved Flannel Moth Caterpillars are long-haired, creamy-colored caterpillars. These are often found at parks, playgrounds, backyards, and on trails. The hairs on these caterpillars contain toxins that sting.

Io Moth Caterpillar

The Io Moth Caterpillars are just over 2 inches long when fully grown. They are green caterpillars with a white stripe from edge to edge. 

American Dagger Moth Caterpillar

These caterpillars have fluffy, yellow hairs that can break off into the skin and sting, causing skin irritation such as hives and a burning sensation. Long, black lashes extend from the body and can be over 1 inch long. They will mainly be seen in the northern regions of Ohio.

This caterpillar has been spotted by a number of our readers, from as far northeast as Lake County to Clinton County in the southwest of the state.

If you would like to learn more about the caterpillars in Ohio, Caterpillar Identification has a comprehensive list.

Caterpillars in Ohio

Have you seen any of the common Caterpillars in Ohio or even one of the venomous Caterpillars? We want to know! Leave a comment below telling us what you have seen when out in nature!

When it comes to Ohio, we love to learn. If you want to learn more about Animals in Ohio, visit our special Animals category page. We think you might enjoy learning about Turtles in Ohio, Frogs in Ohio, Beetles in Ohio, and Stink Bugs in Ohio. 

You typically see those animals while out in nature. Some of our favorite ways to view animals in nature is through Ohio State Parks or Metro Parks! You might enjoy places like Glacier Ridge Metro Park, Scioto Grove Metro Park, Three Creeks Metro Park, Rocky Fork Metro Park, Blendon Woods, Yellow Springs Hiking, Forked Run State Park, and Great Seal State Park.