Tussock moth caterpillar

5787   Hi.   This was found in Prince Edward Island (Sept 2016).  It is about 2” long +- and found on the grass by our propane tank. The 4 things on its back seemed to be soft and looked like the ends of paint brushes.  Any Idea of what type of caterpillar this is?  Thanks,  Derek

This is a caterpillar of a tussock moth (Lepidoptera: Erebidae; subfamily Lymantriinae) in the genus Orgyia; likely Orgyia leucostigma, the white-marked tussock moth. See http://tinyurl.com/3mjz472 for detailed information on its life history. Ed Saugstad, retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV.