Isabella Tiger Moth

moths · caterpillars · fuzzy

Woolly bear caterpillar. The baby form of the Isabella tiger moth is called a woolly bear or banded woolly bear. It's covered in fuzzy hair-like structures that make it look like a tiny teddy bear walking around.

Found everywhere. Isabella tiger moths live all across the United States and throughout Canada, making them one of the most common moths you might spot in North America.

Two-tone coloring. Woolly bear caterpillars have reddish-brown bands in the middle with black bands on both ends, creating a striped pattern that looks like they're wearing a fuzzy sweater.

Named long ago. A naturalist named James Edward Smith gave this moth its scientific name back in 1797, which means scientists have been studying it for over 200 years.

Cozy transformation. When woolly bears get old enough, they spin a cocoon and transform into Isabella tiger moths, which are tan-colored moths with spotted wings.