This is a cecropia moth caterpillar. It feeds on the leaves of many hardwood trees, including linden, maple, cherry, boxelder, elm, birch, willow, hawthorn, and poplar. This caterpillar can grow to be as large as four inches long.

Despite it large size, it does little lasting injury to healthy, mature trees. Normally, only a few of the caterpillars are present in any given tree so feeding damage is minimal. Well established, vigorously growing trees can easily tolerate caterpillar feeding, even if it is severe.

This caterpillar turns into a cecropia moth, one of the largest moths in Minnesota. It has wingspan up to 6 inches.

Cecropia moths are actually very common in Minnesota, although they may not always be noticed. Fortunately, they are not restricted to forests, they are also common in urban areas.