I guess what I meant that most caterpillars of ironweed were borers, according to a few websites that I found thru Google. Heres one passage: The caterpillars of several moths feed on Ironweed, including Grammia parthenice (Parthenice Tiger Moth) and Perigea xanthioides (Red Groundling). Caterpillars that bore into the roots or stems of Ironweed include Papaipema cerussata (Ironweed Borer Moth), Carmenta bassiformis (Eupatorium Borer Moth), and some Polygrammodes spp. (Pyralid Moths). The bitter foliage of Ironweed deters consumption by mamamalian herbivores  it is known as an 'increaser' because it is one of the last plants to be eaten in overgrazed pastures.

Definitely a tent caterpillar. I grew up in Silver Spring and by Mother's Day the roads were covered with them (tough driving). My father used to give my kids a penny for each one they collected, they made out like bandits. Enjoy

Hi, my guesses: pic no 1: Salt Marsh Caterpillar pic no 2: Giant Leopard Moth Caterpillar pic no 3: Salt Marsh Caterpillar(?) pic no 4: Hop Merchant Caterpillar?(just a guess.. ;-) ) pic no 5: Yellow WOOLLY Bear Caterpillar Greetings Susanne(SUE) I am not too familar with Texas Butterflies and Caterpillars

Unless your picture is very deceiving, I believe it to be Eumorpha achemon, Achemon Sphinx caterpillar. I don't see a horn, for one thing. Got any plants in the Vitaceae family nearby? It feeds on grape foliage, Virginia creeper, pepper vine, and others in the family. There are green and brown forms of this caterpillar, by the way. A fully grown caterpillar found roaming around at this time of year is probably looking for a place to pupate. They burrow into the soil, and create their brown, pupal shell and overwinter just fine. I'd suggest that you put the caterpillar in an area where there is plenty of loose soil, and let it get on with its lifecycle. It doesn't need to be near a plant in its host family; the next time it will see the light of day, it will have wings and feed solely on flower nectar.