Woolly bear caterpillar (likely a giant leopard moth caterpillar)

Meadows, grasslands, woodland edges, gardens, and other areas with broadleaf plants.

Chews leaves from many herbaceous plants and shrubs, including plantain, dandelion, violets, and lettuce.

The dense black hairs form distinct tufts, often separated by a reddish-orange band in mature larvae. It is mostly nocturnal, overwinters as a larva, and curls into a defensive ball when disturbed.

Its hairs are generally nonvenomous but can irritate sensitive skin. It helps transfer energy through food webs and later becomes a striking white-spotted moth.