#woolly worm

[thesingingbullfrog]

Crawlin into 2026

[maia-is-regressing]

JUS A LIL GUY

Dis a woolly worm!

🍂Age regression. SFW. No creeps.🎃

[trixclibrarian]

now

[the-vegan-muser]

(x)

[leatherpearlslace]

Insects and other small creatures

(Watch and listen for insects and other small creatures)

Geopsych Autumn Treasure Hunt 2025

[pleistocene-pride]

Pyrrharctia isabella, better known as the Isabella tiger moth, whose larval form is called the banded woolly bear, woolly bear, hedgehog caterpillar, or woolly worm, is a species of moth that occurs in the United States and southern Canada. The isabella tiger moth can be found in many cold and temperate regions. The banded woolly bear larva emerges from the egg in the fall and overwinters in its caterpillar form, by allowing most of its mass to freeze solid. First its heart stops beating, then its gut freezes, then its blood, followed by the rest of the body. It survives being frozen by producing a cryoprotectant in its tissues. In the spring, it thaws. They are generalist feeders, consuming many plant species, including herbs and trees. Reaching around 1.75 to 2.25 inches (4.44 to 5.72cms) in length, 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. As woolly bear caterpillars 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. Adults fly about during spring and summer, mating multiple times with multiple partners. Despite being capable of surviving up to 14 years as a caterpillar, the Isabella tiger moth will only spend less than a year of its life as a moth.

[groundedgreenwitch]

looks like some pretty intense weather in the coming week for WNY! maybe this little friend is onto something…

do you know the lore regarding woolly bear caterpillars? it’s said that they can predict how the approaching winter will be. using our friend here as an example, the black starting at the head (pointing upwards in the photo) predicts a harsh start; however, the long brown middle is indicative of milder months to follow.

suffice it to say that i am going to grab lots of hot chocolate, ingredients to make soup with, and maybe even a new book or two- recommendations welcome!

[violetcatt]