Please help identify this ugly thing

[DANGLANGLEY]

I found this out in the yard and it is huge.... and ugly, lol... I have no clue what it is. Please help identify this creature. I moved him to a safe place so my wife wouldn't have a heart attack, lol... Thanks in advance.

DANGLANGLEY

 

[doublet2a]

Looks like a type of tomato worm
They get pretty big..

Tim

 

[kurtma12]

It is an Imperial Moth Caterpillar

 

[fyrffytr1]

It's "Mothra" attacking Washington!

 

[Tnmountains]

It is a moth larva. Eitherone of three a Royal Wanut moth or maybe a Imperial moth best guess is aHoney locust moth. They like sumac, sweet gum, oaks ,maples and sassafras. Would be right for the s.east. I do not think it is a cut worm. Thousands of these things and they either morph into a butterfly or a moth. Cool looking. Just stay away from the stinging hair ones they will put a very bad hurting on you. I would take 50 yellowjackets to one stinging hair caterpillar.

 

[turtlefoot13]

Take TnMountains advice seriously! Them stinging hair caterpillars hurt so bad! I never knew that there was a caterpillar that could hurt me until I found out the hard way.

Doug

 

[DANGLANGLEY]

Wow, I appreciate the help. Sure enough it is an Imperial Moth Caterpillar. I found a picture that could have been the twin of the thing in my backyard...not that this makes my wife feel any better Thanks again folks.
DANGLANGLEY

 

[Tnmountains]

Good I.D Kurtma12 !!