This caterpillar, also known as the Yellow Wooly Bear, comes in a variety of colors, from dark brown to tan. Its hairs are variable in length, some very long. The spiracles are white. The adult has white wings with a spattering of black spots of varying sizes. The body has black stripes on white, with two lengthwise orange markings (E,F). It’s wingspan is about 1 1/4 inches.
This is a common caterpillar and moth in our two nature centers. The adults fly from April through September. Caterpillars are often seen in September and October.
The larva eat the leaves of many low growing plants , shrubs and trees including Ironweed and Grapevines.
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