This furry little critter was found on the milkweed. As far as we are concerned, our milkweed is for the monarch caterpillars. Before I stomp on this thing, though, it would be good to know if it is a friend or foe.
Fortunately, Caterpillars of Eastern North America by David L. Wagner is the newest addition to my library. On page 474, he writes, ". . . in my experience, the two insects commonly affect different sorts of plants. I associate Monarchs with young, vigorously growing shoots, while Milkweed Tussock Moths are content to eat older foliage, sometimes that which has already started to yellow." OK, this furry little critter gets to live. I'll even put him back on a nice old yellow milkweed plant. We have plenty of them.
