Woolly bear (Pyrrharctia isabella) in the Wildlife Garden
[Guest post by Becky Hillick]
It’s been warm enough here for me to take a walk around the garden. There on top of Ed’s low stone wall I was delighted to see this woolly bear caterpillar. Perhaps he had left his winter home in the leaf litter to enjoy the sunshine too.
Maybe he thought a little rock climbing would break the boredom of hibernation. Clearly his shadow is visible. Spring could be on it’s way.
Wait that’s wrong, for woolly bears it’s the length of the brown area that is supposed to tell about the weather. This particular specimen has a nice crisp black band on one end but a short rather indistinct black band on the other.
I guess what I need is a professional woolly bear forecaster. It all seems rather confusing. To be honest I can’t tell which end of this caterpillar is the front and which is the back.
When I returned from my walk it was getting colder. Still on the wall the caterpillar was moving very slowly. I hope he made it home to his leaf litter home before his shadow disappeared and the temperature dropped. Spring is coming, but I’m sure it’s not here.
Woolly bear caterpillars are a favorite of children and of mine. The chance to see him on this February day made my time in the garden more rewarding. Read more about woolly bears and to see a great picture of an Isabella tiger moth from a post by Ellen Sousa.
[About Becky Hillick: Since 2008 Plants and Stones has been my garden journal for the Stone Wall Garden. Having retired to an old 30 acre farm, we spend our days enjoying the garden and the wildlife here. Ed likes to build stone walls and make new planting beds. I like to cook with fresh vegetables and herbs. We both like to stop and take the time to enjoy whatever critters pass by. Our garden is a bit wild, but we think it is beautiful!]
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Great post Becky. I have not seen any insect activity in my garden but we are supposed to warm up even more next week and the weather of late reminds me of early March. Not sure what a woolly bear forecast looks like but I think spring is coming…I am on the lookout for the red-winged blackbird…I know spring is here when I see them…
Becky, Like Donna, I haven’t seen any insect activity in my CT garden either. But I think we should explore the possibility of a new ‘woolly bear day’ movie!
I’ve only seen a few box elder bugs, but they aren’t particularly exciting.
WisconsinWildMan recently posted..Winged Wednesday – Bird Arrivals in March
Awww, I love a good bug story, Becky! Took a look at your blog…your place looks beautiful, and if it is a “bit wild” that just makes it all the more special!
Loret T. Setters recently posted..Boys will be boys