Tiger Moth Caterpillar (Woolly Bear Caterpillar)
Scientific Name: Pyrrharctia isabella (or other species like Estigmene acrea, depending on exact identification)
Order & Family: Lepidoptera, Erebidae (formerly Arctiidae)
Size: Larvae (caterpillars) typically range from 2.5 to 5 cm (1 to 2 inches) in length.
Natural Habitat
Widely distributed in temperate regions, found in gardens, fields, woodlands, and urban areas.
Diet & Feeding
Broadleaf plants, including dandelion, plantain, clover, and various garden vegetables. They are not usually considered significant agricultural pests.
Behavior Patterns
Caterpillars are often seen crawling on the ground when they are searching for food or a place to pupate. The adult moths are typically nocturnal.
Risks & Benefits
The bristles (setae) of woolly bear caterpillars can cause mild skin irritation in some sensitive individuals if handled. They are generally harmless and are an important part of the food chain, serving as food for birds and other predators. The adult moths are pollinators.
Identified on: 8/31/2025