Fuzzy caterpillars due to their physical appearance are also known as Woolly Bears and Banded Woolly Bear. 

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Talking about their habitat they mostly inhabit behind rocks and fallen logs. They are native to the United States, Mexico, and Southern Canada. These are the caterpillars of “The Isabella Tiger Moth”. These caterpillars have fuzzy, fur-like bristles that are black in color on both ends and reddish-brown from the middle. They can grow up to 2 cm in length. They can live up to 14 years and due to their Arctic habitat, most of their life is spent frozen. 

A fuzzy caterpillar is considered as one of the most venomous caterpillars in its entire native range i.e. United States. They have hidden toxic spikes underneath their fur. It is considered that the sting acts as their defense mechanism. The toxin can cause pain, rash, redness and some swelling. Fuzzy caterpillars are mostly found in the fall. They have two generations annually, the first generation appears in June to July, and the second one in late September. They are herbivores and usually forage on the herbaceous matter.

Plants and other herbaceous matter

Fuzzy caterpillars mostly like to feed on the herbaceous matter. They like to forage on nettles, dandelions, sunflower, yellow and curly docks, burdock, and mostly wild plants. Fuzzy caterpillars eat some garden plants as well, like cabbage, spinach, asters, other greens, and garden herbs. Fuzzy caterpillars also eat on lambs, violets, quarters, and clovers. They also like to feed on dead leaves. In winters, they also like to forage on corn and birches. Fuzzy caterpillarsalso drink fluids and nectar from different plants.

What do Fuzzy Caterpillars don’t eat?

As they have an herbivore diet, Fuzzy caterpillars don’t eat insects and other animals. They do not drink water.