Woolly Bear Caterpillar

Found in temperate regions across North America, inhabiting fields, meadows, gardens, and forest edges.

Polyphagous herbivores feeding on various herbaceous plants including grasses, dandelions, clover, and sunflowers.

Rolls into a tight, defensive ball when threatened and overwinters as a caterpillar beneath debris, freezing solid using cryoprotectants.

Harmless to humans with stiff bristles that only occasionally cause mild skin irritation. They act as important decomposers and a food source for birds.