yellow hairy caterpillar identification

[Alejandro E. Segarra]

Most likely, what you have is the last instar of Halysidota
tessellaris.  The caterpillar is quite a common herbivore
this time of the year.  (Clue: it has black pencils and
white ones as well.  Fourth instar is gray & 5th instar is
golden yellow.)  Soon, it will pupate and overwinter in its
coccon.  If you have any questions give me a call.
Alex

__________________________________________
Alejandro E. Segarra-Carmona
     Department of Entomology & School of Public Affairs
     University of Maryland
     College Park, MD. 20742
     (301) 405-3945
     email:   moths at wam.umd.edu