Meet one of North America's most ICONIC caterpillars — the Wooly Bear (Pyrrharctia isabella)! With its iconic banded coat of black and rusty-brown bristles, this fuzzy little creature is a joy to observe and raise.
Each order includes one live Wooly Bear caterpillar, carefully packed to arrive safe and healthy. Watch it munch, grow, and eventually transform into the beautiful Isabella Tiger Moth.
- Species: Pyrrharctia isabella (Isabella Tiger Moth / Wooly Bear)
- Stage: Caterpillar (larva)
- Host plants: Dandelion, plantain, clover, grasses, and many garden plants
- Care level: Beginner-friendly — great for kids and first-time rearers
- Adult moth: Soft orange-yellow wings with black spots
What Do Wooly Bears Eat?
Wooly Bears are generalist feeders, which makes them one of the easiest caterpillars to care for. They happily munch on a wide variety of common plants, including:
- Dandelion (a favorite and easy to find!)
- Plantain (broadleaf or narrow-leaf)
- Clover
- Grasses (many common lawn and meadow species)
- Asters, sunflowers, and other low-growing wildflowers
- Maple and birch leaves (in smaller quantities)
Fresh leaves are best — simply collect from pesticide-free areas and replace every 1–2 days. Keep their enclosure lightly misted for humidity and provide good ventilation. They are remarkably hardy and forgiving, making them ideal for first-time rearers and classroom settings. A small Tupperware with holes will work for housing!
A perfect hands-on nature experience for classrooms, homeschoolers, and curious minds of all ages. Live arrival guaranteed.
🚚 Expert Shipping Care for Live Specimens
Specialized Packaging: Your live specimens are shipped in climate-controlled (when needed), packaging designed specifically for insects. We use insulated packaging to protect against temperature extremes.
Timing Matters: We ship Monday-Wednesday (and sometimes Thursday and Friday) to ensure your specimens arrive within 1-2 business days. This timing is crucial for their health and development.
Arrival Instructions: Upon arrival, simply open the packaging and transfer your specimens to the proper habitat.
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✓ Educational Excellence
📚 Educational Value: Perfect for classrooms, homeschools, and curious learners. Watch the complete metamorphosis cycle and learn about nature's most fascinating transformations. Includes care instructions and educational resources.
🌿 Ethically Sourced: All specimens are sustainably raised and humanely handled to ensure the best quality and animal welfare.