Are there banded woolly bear caterpillars in Ontario?

Yes, banded woolly bear caterpillars (the larva of the Isabella Tiger Moth) are found in Ontario. They are common throughout most of Canada and the United States, including Ontario.

Here's some information on them:

* Appearance: They are easily recognized by their black "bands" at both ends of their body, separated by a rusty orange band in the middle.

* Habitat: They are found in various habitats, including grasslands, fields, and forests.

* Food Source: They primarily feed on plants like aster, goldenrod, and dandelion.

* Lifecycle: The caterpillars spend the winter in a dormant stage, emerging in the spring to pupate and eventually transform into moths.

You can increase your chances of spotting them by looking in areas with their preferred food plants during the late summer and fall.