Highlighted Species: Woolly Bear Caterpillar (Isabella Tiger Moth) Pyrrharctia isabella (Lepidoptera: Erebidae)
About:
The Woolly Bear caterpillar is a well-adored critter, known by children and adults alike across North America and even has its own folklore. The Woolly Bear is the larval form of the Isabella Tiger Moth, a fuzzy, sienna-colored moth, which overwinters in that caterpillar form. As a caterpillar it cruises the ground of moist, plant-rich habitats, eating herbaceous plants. There may be up to two generations of caterpillars a year. The adult tiger moth sips nectar during the summer while active, and the caterpillars can be seen both in late fall and early spring.
Insects survive the cold temperatures with a variety of methods. For the Wooly Bear, it includes slowing down its growth and development in a semi-dormant state called diapause. The Woolly Bear is covered with stiff bristle-like hairs, which both regulate temperature and protect it from predators. Its internal fluid, or hemolymph, contains glycerol, which is chemically similar to antifreeze. This chemistry, plus diapause, and the insulation from hairs and surrounding leaves protects cells from freezing and keeps the Woolly Bear alive.
Design Notes:
This manicure features the classic tri-colored banding of the Woolly Bear. A bright orange band is sandwiched by brown bands, suggesting a developing caterpillar.
Resources:
Baker, James. (3 October 2019). Banded Woollybear /
Isabella Moth. NC State Extension.
https://content.ces.ncsu.edu/banded-woollybear
Cue, Kathleen. (2024). Woolly Bear Caterpillars. Nebraska
Extension in Dodge County.
https://extension.unl.edu/statewide/dodge/wooly-bear-caterpillars/
Missouri Department of Conservation. (2024). Isabella
Tiger Moth (Woolly Bear; Woolly Worm). Conservation
Commission of Missouri.
https://mdc.mo.gov/discover-nature/field-guide/isabella-tiger-moth-woolly-bear-woolly-worm
National Weather Service. (2024). Woolly Bear Caterpillar
- Winter Predictor Or Not? NOAA.
https://www.weather.gov/arx/woollybear#:~:text=Once%20settled%20in%2C%20the%20caterpillars,low%20as%20%2D90oF.
