Woolly Bear Caterpillar (likely Isabella Tiger Moth larva)

Natural Habitat

Gardens, fields, roadsides, woodlands, and other areas with abundant low-growing vegetation.

Diet & Feeding

Primarily herbaceous plants. While they are polyphagous, meaning they eat many types of plants, common food sources include dandelion, plantain, clover, and various other broad-leafed plants.

Behavior Patterns

Woolly bear caterpillars overwinter as larvae, often under bark or leaf litter. They thaw in spring and continue feeding before pupating. They are generally solitary. Their 'woolliness' helps them survive cold temperatures and deters some predators.

Risks & Benefits

Risks: The bristles (setae) can cause mild skin irritation for some individuals if handled. They are not venomous. Benefits: As larvae, they are part of the food chain for birds and other insectivores. As adult moths, they can act as pollinators, though not as efficiently as bees or butterflies. While they eat plants, they rarely cause significant damage to cultivated crops.

Identified on: 9/1/2025