Instructions for Growing Banded Woolly Bear Caterpillar Moths

Collecting and raising banded woolly bear caterpillars, which later become Isabella tiger moths, gives you and your children the opportunity to become backyard entomologists and see morphology in action. Banded woolly bear caterpillars require little maintenance, and the food needed to help them grow can be found in your own backyard or local park.

Things You'll Need

  • Container with lid
  • Screwdriver
  • Rubber mallet
  • Stick
  • Grass and other yard clippings
  • Prefabricated bug container
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Instructions

    • 1

      Find a glass or plastic jar with a tight fitting lid that can be used to house your caterpillar. Place the lid on a hard surface such as an old work bench or plank of wood. Place the lid upside down on the surface and stand your screwdriver head (tip) down, anywhere on the lid. With strong force, hit the handle of the screwdriver with the mallet so it punches a hole in the lid; repeat this three times. These are the holes need for proper air flow. You can also choose to use prefabricated insect containers.

    • 2

      Collect your specimen. Look around gardens, flower beds and brush for a small back and red, or black and dark brown, fuzzy caterpillar during the month of October, as suggested by the Backyard Wildlife Habitat organization. The are often found close to the ground. Gently pick up the caterpillar and place it in your collection jar or bug container.

    • 3

      Add a stick or two, making sure they are small enough to fit in the jar with the lid tightly closed. Add fresh grass clippings.

    • 4

      Feed your caterpillar fresh grass every day, as recommended by the Backyard Wildlife Habitat organization.

    • 5

      Observe as the caterpillar climbs over the twigs and eats the grass. The Backyard Wildlife Habitat organization states that soon the caterpillar will remain on the floor of your container and look as if it is sleeping. This is normal.

    • 6

      Remove all old grass and any other vegetation from the jar and leave one stick behind. Your banded woolly bear caterpillar is now in the beginning stages of hibernation. Don't worry about it freezing to death, banded woolly bear caterpillars produce a natural antifreeze that allows them to survive all winter.

    • 7

      Place your collection jar or container in a safe, outdoor area for easy observation. A covered three-season porch or a garage work well.

    • 8

      Feed the caterpillar once the first sign of vegetation is clear. Start picking grass clippings and placing them in the jar to watch it grow and spin its cocoon. Approximately a week after the cocoon is formed, a beautiful Isabella tiger moth will emerge. Pick a nice spring day and watch it fly away.