Woolly Bears - Berks County, PA
Woolly Bears, their Adult Moths, and other "fuzzy" caterpillars
of Berks County, Pennsylvania

Several woolly bear looking caterpillars are found in Berks County, Pennsylvania (and the surrounding region). Only one is the woolly bear. To find information on the "woolly bear" you saw click on the photo below.

 

Woolly Bear
Bristles are stiff.

Giant Leopard Moth
Bristles are stiff.



Yellow Bear Moth or Virgin Tiger Moth
All the same species. Color quite variable. Has a few extra long hairs at ends which indicate this species. 
Hairs are soft, not bristly. May also be black.

Salt Marsh or Acrea Moth
Color is extremely variable. Blond or yellow to black. Hairs are soft.

Fall Webworm

Hairs are soft. Similar to Yellow Bear, but long hairs are all along body, not just at ends. Only white-gray.

Hickory Tussock Moth
Hairs are soft.
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Prepared by Karl R. Gardner  -  November 19, 2005:  Revised Oct. 22, 2012
Recommended reference books for caterpillars. These are all valuable sources.

Butterflies and Moths Golden Nature Guide, R. Michell and H. Zim. Features over 200 species of adult moths and butterflies with distribution maps and illustrations of most of their caterpillars. 1962 etc. PB, List $6.95

Caterpillars of Eastern North America by David L. Wagner. Full page accounts of over 400 species of moth and butterfly caterpillars with large photographs of larvae. Includes photos of adults. 2005. PB, List $xx.xx.

Caterpillars of Field and Garden by T. Allen, J. Brock, and J Glassberg. A Field Guide to the Butterfly Caterpillars of North America. Photographs and distribution maps. 2005. PB, List $29.95.

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