Tale of Tails
Posted by Jessica Burrows on February 1, 2006
Q: I found a wooly bear this fall and we have kept him in a jar with air vents in the top. I didn't realize I should keep him cold and he is a moth already. What should I do with him or how can I care for him untill spring?
Habitat: suburban/yard
State: Pennsylvania
Habitat: suburban/yard
A: You've had an opportunity to see an interesting process few others have ever experienced. However, as you point out, by keeping your caterpillar/pupa warm, it has metamorphosed too early into its adult form, the Isabella Moth. To the best of my knowledge, the adults do not feed but mate and lay eggs for the next generation of woolly bears. My recommendation would be to keep your moth on the cool side and see if it won't live a longer time. If your moth does make it to spring, you can release it then. Sorry I can't be of more help. Next time you'll know what to do. Thanks for asking.
John Wiessinger ( February 2, 2006)