Giant leopard moth caterpillar (woolly bear)

Woodlands, forest edges, gardens, and rocky areas across much of eastern and central North America.

Feeds on many broadleaf plants, including violets, plantain, maple, and sunflowers; it generally causes little noticeable plant damage.

The caterpillar is covered in stiff black bristles separated by reddish bands and curls into a defensive ball when disturbed. It overwinters as a larva and pupates in a silken cocoon before emerging as a nocturnal moth.

Its bristles are not venomous, but contact may cause mild skin irritation in sensitive people. It is harmless to humans and contributes to food webs as prey for birds and other predators.