What is "harlequin caterpillar"

Harlequin \Har"le*quin\ (h[aum]r"l[-e]*k[i^]n or -kw[i^]n), n. [F. arlequin, formerly written also harlequin (cf. It, arlecchino), prob. fr. OF. hierlekin, hellequin, goblin, elf, which is prob. of German or Dutch origin; cf. D. hel hell. Cf. Hell, Kin.] A buffoon, dressed in party-colored clothes, who plays tricks, often without speaking, to divert the bystanders or an audience; a merry-andrew; originally, a droll rogue of Italian comedy.
--Percy Smith.

As dumb harlequin is exhibited in our theaters.
--Johnson.

Harlequin bat (Zo["o]l.), an Indian bat ( Scotophilus ornatus), curiously variegated with white spots.

Harlequin beetle (Zo["o]l.), a very large South American beetle ( Acrocinus longimanus) having very long legs and antenn[ae]. The elytra are curiously marked with red, black, and gray.

Harlequin cabbage bug. (Zo["o]l.) See Calicoback.

Harlequin caterpillar. (Zo["o]l.), the larva of an American bombycid moth ( Euch[ae]tes egle) which is covered with black, white, yellow, and orange tufts of hair.

Harlequin duck (Zo["o]l.), a North American duck ( Histrionicus histrionicus). The male is dark ash, curiously streaked with white.

Harlequin moth. (Zo["o]l.) See Magpie Moth.

Harlequin opal. See Opal.

Harlequin snake (Zo["o]l.), See harlequin snake in the vocabulary.