Species Pyrrharctia isabella - Isabella Tiger Moth - Hodges#8129

Banded Woolly Bear (caterpillar) (1)

Black-ended Bear (caterpillar) (2)

Wingspan 45-65mm (2)

Larvae to 57mm (3)

Common throughout North America (3)

Flies April to August (2)

Larvae eats many plants and trees including grasses, asters, birches, clover, corn, elms, maples and sunflowers (2)(1)

The first of two broods pupates in Summer. The second brood overwinters as a caterpillar and pupates in Spring. (2)

The only species of Pyrrharctia. (1)

Folk wisdom holds that the relative lengths of the bands of the caterpillar foretell the severity of the coming winter (3). Actually, the variability of the bands depends on many factors. As larvae mature, the reddish bands lengthen (2). Wetter weather lengthens the black bands (1). So while not a reliable measure, it makes some sense that onset of an early and thus longer winter will force younger and less red caterpillars into hibernation.

Arnett provides a black and white adult photo, figure 27.291 (1).

Peterson's First Guide illustrates all life stages, page 99 (3).

Covell provides color illustrations of caterpillar and adult, plates 1 and 14 (2).

Lynn Scott's Lepidoptera Images

Caterpillar account from University of Missouri Extension.

Natural history and tidbits from Iowa State University.

Caterpillar account at Caterpillars of Eastern Forests.