Isabella Tiger Moth (Woolly Bear; Woolly Worm)

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Isabella Tiger Moth (Woolly Bear; Woolly Worm)

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Media Scientific Name Pyrrharctia isabella Family Erebidae (tiger, lichen, tussock, and underwing moths) Description

Adult Isabella tiger moths usually rest with the wings held rooflike over their bodies, or else held flat out to the sides. The forewings are yellow or tan, pointed, and often have faint lines and small dark spots. Hindwings are lighter and are orange in females. The bases of the forelegs are reddish orange.

The larvae of this species are better known than the adults. Called “woolly bears” or “woolly worms,” they are fuzzy with dense, stiff hairs. They are usually black on the ends of the body and rusty red or brownish in the middle. When disturbed, they commonly roll up in a ball. Note that touching the bristles can cause dermatitis in some people.

There are about 60 species of tiger moths in Missouri.

Size

Wingspan: 1¾–2¼ inches.

Where To Find

Statewide.

Habitat and Conservation

Tiger moths are often attracted to lights at night. Based on the caterpillars’ wide range of food plants, this moth could be found almost anywhere that plants grow. In the autumn, woolly bears are commonly seen crossing roads as they search for sheltered places in which to overwinter.

Food

Larvae feed on a wide variety of plants, including maple and elm trees, grasses, sunflowers, clovers, and more.

Status

Common breeding resident.

Life Cycle

Life Cycle

Adults fly from early April through September. There are two broods in Missouri. Isabella tiger moths overwinter as full-grown caterpillars and have a remarkable capability to withstand freezing temperatures. They pupate within cocoons made from their hairs and emerge as adults in the spring.

Human Connections

Several woolly bear festivals are held in towns across America. These help local economies and build a sense of community. Folklore has long maintained that the varying widths of the caterpillar’s bands are useful for predicting the harshness of the next winter, adding to this animal’s mystique.

Generally, the folklore goes like this: the wider the rusty-red band, the milder the winter; if it is narrow, the winter will be severe.

Most people do not get a rash from touching the hairy caterpillars of this species, but some people do. Different people may be more or less sensitive to caterpillar hairs, and some caterpillars may be more or less irritating than others.

Note that in other groups of moths, the caterpillars' hairs or spines can literally sting you, if you touch them. No matter how soft and fuzzy a caterpillar looks, we advise caution if you're not sure about a caterpillar's identity, or about your own skin's sensitivity.

Ecosystem Connections

The caterpillars are herbivores that graze on vegetation. They, like many other moth caterpillars, can be parasitized by wasps that lay their eggs on them and eventually kill them. The adults don’t live very long, but they too can be eaten by predators ranging from spiders to bats.

The amount of black and rusty red on a woolly bear caterpillar is influenced by several factors. Indeed, some of the factors are climatic. For example, wetter than average weather tends to cause longer black bands. Another factor is age: older caterpillars tend to have longer rusty red bands. Individual genetics also plays a role.

Title Media Gallery Image Caption Forewings of adult Isabella tiger moths are yellow or tan, pointed, and often have faint lines and small dark spots. Hindwings are lighter and are orange in females. The bases of the forelegs are reddish orange. Credit Donna Brunet Right to Use Use of this image is restricted to MDC only 1/4 Image Caption Caterpillars of the Isabella tiger moth are the famous “woolly bears” or “woolly worms” that people use for predicting winter severity. Credit Donna Brunet Right to Use Use of this image is restricted to MDC only on this page 2/4 Image Caption There's no truth to the tale that you can forecast how long winter will last by the brown band on a woolly bear's back. Right to Use Photo by MDC Staff, courtesy Missouri Department of Conservation 3/4 Image Caption The amount of black and rusty red on a woolly bear caterpillar is influenced by several factors. For example, wetter than average weather tends to cause longer black bands. This caterpillar was seen in late October 2015, following two months of Missouri drought. Credit Julianna Schroeder Right to Use Photo by Julianna Schroeder, courtesy Missouri Department of Conservation 4/4 Image Image Image Image Title Similar Species Similar Species Media Tiger and Lichen Moths Media Black-Bordered Lemon Moth Media Honey Locust Moth Media Noctuid Moths Media Prominent Moths Media Moths About Butterflies and Moths in Missouri Butterflies, skippers, and moths belong to an insect order called the Lepidoptera — the "scale-winged" insects. These living jewels have tiny, overlapping scales that cover their wings like shingles. The scales, whether muted or colorful, seem dusty if they rub off on your fingers. Many butterflies and moths are associated with particular types of food plants, which their caterpillars must eat in order to survive.

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