These 2nd instar Western Sheepmoth (Hemileuca eglanterina) larvae are active and feeding in a large cluster. The tightly-packed group is a defensive tactic, making them appear as one large entity. Their spines are also "urticating", and can cause a sting similar to a bee, if contacted roughly. Much more butterfly/moth video, photography and life cycle studies available free to the public at HTTP://jcmdi.com, and the Hi-Res version of this video is available on DVD at http://technician.jcmdi.com/lepdvd01/lepdvd01.html for details.
