While monitoring milkweed plants for Monarch activity Gail came across this
caterpillar–chomping away on the leaves of her milkweed plants. Needless to say, due to
a large number of Monarch caterpillars, these were removed from the area.
Unsure if a light on at night in this area, attracted the source of these caterpillars, which
continued to show & she persisted in moving.
Can you name this caterpillar?
Monroe County Master Gardener Association 
Tussock Moth?
Checkout this site for info on the Milkweed Tussock moth –
http://www.seacoastonline.com/news/20170822/milkweed-tussock-moth-caterpillars-not-to-be-confused-with-monarchs
Caterpillar of the Oncopeltus fasciatus, known as the large milkweed bug is a medium-sized hemipteran (true bug) of the family Lygaeidae. It is distributed throughout North America.
Milkweed Tussock Moth Caterpillar.
Yes you are correct and first to answer Naida.
the next question I had to ask, was a night light in the vicinity-the reason the moth had chosen to use this particular patch of milkweed vs another site?? gk