Oct 16 2010
Transformers
More amazing than a Transformer toy that changes from a robot into a spaceship, this wooly bear caterpillar will wrap himself in a cocoon and spend the winter transforming into this.
Odd and ugly caterpillars become beautiful moths.
Who becomes what?
See Chuck Tague’s guide to “cats and moths” for some answers.
(photo by Christopher Jones from Wikimedia. Click on the photo to see the original)
Is it my imagination or are these caterpillars shorter this year than normal? My wife and I frequently walk on the Yough River Trail near Cedar Creek Park in Rostraver and see many caterpillars crossing the trail. My impression is that in prior years the critters were a good bit longer than I am seeing this year.
I love these caterpillars. Used to gather them up & hold a bunch in my hand, my kids would just go crazy like they were being attacked by wild bears. Always bring a smile to my heart strings when I see them. Thanks for photo. Love all your pictures & info everyday. Can’t believe we are halfway thru October already.
I haven’t seen shorter wooly bears but maybe smaller ones. I wonder if the drought affected them. Meanwhile, the one in this photo looks short because he’s all rolled up trying to protect himself.
I have always wondered what the wooly bears turn into. I think about that when I see them outside, but by the time I get in the house, I forget to look them up! Thanks for this post! Now I know what they look like as adults.
I saw one in the barn a couple of days ago. That was the first one I have seen this year. It was of average size.