Woolly Bear Caterpillar

Found in a variety of habitats, including fields, pastures, forests, and suburban areas across North America.

Herbivorous. Feeds on a wide range of plants, including grasses, weeds (like dandelion and plantain), and leaves of trees.

Known for curling into a tight ball when disturbed or threatened. They are famous for being seen in the fall when they wander in search of a place to overwinter. They survive freezing temperatures by producing a cryoprotectant in their tissues.

Generally harmless to humans. While they have stiff hairs (setae), they do not sting, though the hairs may cause mild skin irritation in sensitive individuals. They are beneficial as part of the food web, providing food for birds and other predators. According to folklore, the width of their brown band predicts the severity of the coming winter, though this is not scientifically supported.