Saltmarsh Caterpillar

Fields, gardens, meadows, and agricultural areas across North America

Broad-spectrum herbivore eating various weeds and crops including cabbage, corn, cucumber, and tobacco

Larvae are highly mobile 'woolly bears' that can be seen wandering rapidly in search of food or pupation sites; they typically have two generations per year

Can be a significant agricultural pest in large numbers; the hairs can cause skin irritation (urticaria) in sensitive individuals, though they are not venomous