Posted by rita Buettner on February 3, 2007

Q: Hello, I recently found a caterpillar it has brown body with black on both ends. What kind is this? The temp. outside is 10 degrees. I didn't know what to do, so I brought him in and put him in a jar.I don't want him to die. What should I do? Do I release him back outside? if so do I put him back in the same area I found him? Waiting with anticipation.

Thanks, Rita

Habitat: suburban/yard

State: New York

Habitat: suburban/yard

A: You're not the first person to discover a caterpillar outside in the cold and wonder what to do. From your brief description, sounds like a Woolly Bear Caterpillar to me. These caterpillars spend the entire winter as a caterpillar under leaves, logs, or other kinds of forest/field debris. In the spring it will pupate and then emerge as an Isabella Moth in spring. Although at first glance you might think that there is no way it can survive, if you think about it for just a wee bit you'll realize that if they ALL are outside now, then it must be OK. I can't say for sure just how much protection they need but in general, they can and do survive New York winters just fine. So...the best thing you can do is return your animal to the outdoors. I'd suggest finding a place where you can put your caterpillar so it's in contact with the soil but under something that can provide a bit of cover or insulation. I know it seems difficult to believe a caterpillar can make it during these cold nights but nature is pretty remarkable. Thanks for writing.

John Wiessinger ( February 4, 2007)