Wavy-lined Heterocampa caterpillars are perfect leaf mimics. Their green bodies often have brown patches that resemble dry parts of dying foliage. Some have white, diamond-like marks on the top side, which look like lichen or spots of bird droppings. Some are brown-orange and covered in dark mottling. A pair of black orbs on the back of the head eventually becomes branching antlers that grow forward over the dark brown head. The rear ends in a two short 'tails'.
This species feeds on the leaves of apple, willow, and hickory as well as other deciduous trees.©CaterpillarIdentification.org
The map above showcases (in blue) the states and territories of North America where the Wavy-lined Heterocampa Moth Caterpillar may be found (but is not limited to). This sort of data can be useful in seeing concentrations of a particular species over the continent as well as revealing possible migratory patterns over a species' given lifespan. Some species are naturally confined by environment, weather, mating habits, food resources and the like while others see widespread expansion across most, or all, of North America.*NOTE: States/Territories shown above are a general indicator of areas inhabited by the Wavy-lined Heterocampa Moth Caterpillar. Insects generally go where they please, typically driven by diet, environmental changes, and / or mating habits.