Woolly caterpillars are the larvae of tiger moths. Isabella tiger moth produces two generations in its northern range. The forewings are uniform light to medium orange brown, with an red orange fringe in some specimens. Isabella tiger moth is most prevalent in open dry to slightly moist habitats, where it prefers weedy fields, fallow cropfields, roadsides, and landscapes. Isabella tiger moth feeds on the leaves of host trees, causing minor defoliation. Subjected to a temperate climate, the caterpillars, known as banded woolly bears, overwinter as caterpillars before turning into a pupa in the spring, the stage of development right before coming a moths. Moist conditions cause the black bands to become more prominent. The eggs hatch within two weeks, depending on the geographic location. An Isabella Tiger Moth in Anne Arundel Co., Maryland (8/9/2014). Adults have three sets of legs, which are dark brown in color. And the ‘wool’ is for defense. Isabella tiger moth Trevor calls out. Contact … Once active, they resume feeding for several nights. The bristles generally become less black, and more red as they mature. Symptoms of Infestation. The coloration of the wooly bear changes as the larvae progress through successive instars. This is the adult of the well-known Wooly Bear caterpillar. Adults drink nectar from wildflowers. That is an exceptionally good pic of the wooly bear. Yellow bears range in color from cream to dark gray. Isabella tiger moth (Pyrrharctia isabella) is one of the most common insects in North America. Isabella Tiger Moth – adult form of a Woolly Bear. It often appears in forested settings as well. isabella_tiger_moth_2009.jpg. Hindwings are lighter and are orange in females. I also always thought they turned into Monarchs, but now I know otherwise… Digital Guide to Moth Identification about viewing options View by Region select region. The Isabella Tiger-moth, Pyrrharctia Isabella (Pyr-rharc'- ti-a is-a-bel'la).—" Hurrying along like a caterpillar in the fall" is a common saying among country people in New England, and probably had its origin in observations made upon the larva of the Isabella Tiger-moth. It’s wandering in search of a place to hibernate. Isabella tiger moth has several natural predators that help limit populations. As the larvae feed, they pass through several instars, which alters their coloration. A typical arctiid, the Isabella tiger moth (Isia isabella), emerges in spring and attains a wingspan of 37 to 50 mm (1.5 to 2 inches). Adults are generally dull yellowish through orangish and have robust, scaly thorices; small heads; and bright reddish-orange forelegs. During this stage, the larvae may be observed on roadsides, sidewalks, and lawns. It is a medium to large tiger moth (FW length 22 - 26 mm). Isabella tiger moth is considered a minor nuisance. Once they have mated, the females lay their eggs, and expire. When fully grown, wooly bears are more than two inches long, and covered with stiff bristles, as well as several longer soft hairs. The first generation pupates during summer. In reality, the dark brown band on woolly bears merely widens as they grow throughout the season. It is considered a minor defoliator of many plants. A typical arctiid, the Isabella tiger moth (Isia isabella), emerges in spring and attains a wingspan of 37 to 50 mm (1.5 to 2 inches). These spots are present on the subterminal line in all specimens, but a few spots are often present on the antemedia… A Woolly Bear caterpillar curled in a defensive position. It will have a mostly orange complexion on its body and wings, along with black dots all along its backside. You will need to provide your caterpillars with a solid habitat, feed them, and then release them into the wild once they turn into moths. Check out the red on the front legs. The larvae eventually settle in crevices, or under leaf litter and rocks, where they enter a dormant state. In spring, each will spin a cocoon and emerge as an Isabella Tiger Moth. A third generation often occurs in the south. Like most of the tiger moth caterpillars the banded woolly worm will roll up into a ball if you attempt to pick it up or disturb it in some way. 930335.00 – 8129 – Pyrrharctia isabella – Isabella Tiger Moth – (Smith, 1797) Photographs are the copyrighted property of each photographer listed.