Most of the 35 Hemileuca species occur in North America, with some flying more south into Mexico and Central America. Many of them have very attractive adults. These medium sized moths are related to the Automeris genus and the caterpillars are equally urticating, so handle with care.

These are not the easiest species to rear, especially not outside their natural habitat. A warm, dry and bright spot usually helps to keep your caterpillars alive, but even then, success is far from guaranteed. Hemileuca species are best left to entomologists with more experience.