Tussock Moth Caterpillar

Is it a Bottle brush ?    Tooth brush ?     Toilet brush?

Call me what you may
I have nothing to say
I just go about filling my self
with fresh food all day
I know you will only stand and stare
not dare, to hold me in any way
Because of my urticating hair.

I am a case of 'hair today
gone tomorrow'
But unlike men, I don't care
I am here today
flown off by tomorrow
And you will never know where.


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Tussock moths are small moths that are best-known because of their attractive larvae.

Tussock caterpillar, or larval, stage of these species often has a distinctive appearance of alternating bristles and haired projections. Many tussock moth caterpillars have urticating hairs (often hidden among longer, softer hairs), which can cause painful reactions if they come into contact with skin.

http://entnemdept.ufl.edu/creatures/URBAN/MEDICAL/tussock_moths.htm

Urticating hair i.e. irritating hair, are one of the primary defense mechanisms used by numerous plants, some New World tarantulas, and various lepidopteran caterpillars.