Pyrrharctia isabella

Description

Isabella Tiger Moth is the name for the adult stage of this insect’s life cycle. They are a dull yellow or tan color with small heads and a robust, furry thorax. The wings have some black spotting on them and are held roof-like over the body when at rest. Larvae are called Banded Woolly Bears because of their fur like setae and their coloring. They are a copper red in the middle of body and black at both ends. Caterpillars emerge from the eggs in the fall, remain dormant for the winter, and pupate in the spring. The caterpillars live through cold temperatures by producing cyroprotectant, a substance that keeps the tissues from freezing.

Habitat

Can be found near the plants and trees it feeds on.

Diet

Caterpillars eat a wide variety of grass and weeds including: asters, birch leaves, clover, corn, dandelions, elm leaves, maple leaves, sunflowers, and nettles.

Size

Adult wingspan is about 1 ½ -2 ½ inches; caterpillars can be up to 3 inches long.

Range

Can be found throughout all of North America.

Other Useful Information

According to folklore, that severity of winter can be predicted by amount of black on the caterpillar. This is not true because the amount of black is dependent on age and size of the caterpillar, not on temperature.

Similar Species

Fall Webworm