October 28, 2025

I am a Salt Marsh Moth caterpillar

When I grow up I'll be a pretty white moth

But for now I can be quite a pest - 

I'm known for damaging fall-planted crops

Location: Kissimmee Prairie Preserve State Park

Sources: https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/publication/IN375

Photo and text © 2025 Dee Fairbanks Simpson

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January 21, 2023

I am a Salt Marsh moth caterpillar

In Canada, I can be a crop pest

I am named for the Salt-grass hay I eat in Boston

I more often eat veggies, but I like Pigweed the best.

Location: St. Sebastian River Preserve State Park, Fellsmere

Sources: https://entnemdept.ufl.edu/creatures/veg/leaf/saltmarsh_caterpillar.htm

Photo and text © 2022 Dee Fairbanks Simpson

January 21, 2020

Location: Fellsmere, My house

I am known as Salt Marsh Moth,
I only look like this for 4 or 5 days -
I emerge from my chrysalis, mate and lay eggs,
And then - I just pass away.

Sources: UF | IFAS Featured Creatures: Saltmarsh Caterpillar

Photo and text © 2020 Dee Fairbanks Simpson

March 14, 2018

Location: Vero Beach, West Regional WWTP

Today, I'm a Salt Marsh Caterpillar,
Soon I'll be a pupae for about two weeks.
Then when my metamorphosis is complete,
A Salt Marsh Moth is what I'll be.

(Special thanks to John Capinera, Professor Emeritus & Co-Editor, Florida Entomologist, Entomology & Nematology Department at the University of Florida for helping me confirm the ID. In the future when attempting to ID caterpillars, I will remember to get a lateral view and a picture of the head as per his advice.)

Sources: Butterflies and Moths of North America - Salt Marsh Moth or Acrea Moth - Estigmene acrea

UF|IFAS Featured Creatures - Salt Marsh Caterpillar

Photo and text © 2018 Dee Fairbanks Simpson