Stinging caterpillars are the immature stages of several species of moths.
They may possess short spines or be densely covered with long hairs. Some of the more common stinging species are described below. The Io moth larva is pea-green and has greenish spines tipped with black. A reddish stripe edged with white extends down the entire length of the larva's abdomen. The Io moth caterpillar is about 60 mm long when fully grown.