Before you scream “what is that thing?”, don’t worry. It’s not a tarantula, not a hairball, and i it’s definitely not an alien. It’s the monkey slug, one of the strangest caterpillars in North America.
What’s a Monkey Slug?
The monkey slug is the larval form of the hag moth (Phobetron pithecium). Unlike typical fuzzy caterpillars, it looks like a squashed octopus made of velcro and lint. It’s covered in hairy, stubby arms that serve as camouflage and maybe even as false legs to confuse predators.
Fun Fact: It’s Technically Venomous
Those fuzzy arms? They hide tiny stinging spines that can irritate human skin. It’s not dangerous, but if you touch one, especially if you’re sensitive, you might feel a mild sting.
Where to Spot Them
They hang out on deciduous trees like oak, hickory, and apple, usually on the undersides of leaves in late summer to early fall. Eastern and southern U.S. residents will have the best shot at spotting one.
Why They’re Cool
They’re walking optical illusions. They look like leaves, lint, spiders, or mashed-up moss, whatever it takes to confuse predators. Nature’s weirdest fuzzy friend!