Woolly Bear Caterpillars Spotted in Chouteau County

MSU EXTENSION AgALERT:

High numbers of woolly bear caterpillars have been reported in a Chouteau County wheat field. Woollybear larvae are members of the moth family Arctiidae, also referred to as Tiger moths. They feed on grasses late in the fall and early in the spring. The caterpillars overwinter, and on warm days early in the spring, the caterpillars will continue to feed and develop. They will pupate in the soil, and adults will emerge 2-3 weeks later.

Woollybears are commonly found at low numbers and typically are not a significant pest problem. But when present at high numbers they can cause significant feeding damage

to small grain crops. Insecticidal sprays used to treat cutworms will also control this pest.

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