Well, the answer is here, so I just wanted you to see this. The caterpillar is, of course, a larva, and the lappet moth is Phyllodesma americana.
Well concealed caterpillar. Lappet moth, using lappets to blend in pic.twitter.com/ApszpzKMou
— Richard Lewington (@rlewington2) September 21, 2016
The adult, when resting on bark, is also cryptic. Note how the head is tucked down and hidden:
Here’s another picture of the caterpillar; don’t ask me whether they can change colors (either within one period or depending on their habitat) or come in different colors”
h/t: Matthew
Gorgeous! According to my trusty Peterson field guide to Moths of NE North America, these are common moths all over the midwest to Canada and all the way east. Funny, I’ve never seen one…
Very cool!