Question: I want to know about those orange and black caterpillars that come out this time of year crossing the roads? What kind of butterflies do they turn into, etc.?
Answer: The orange and black critters, commonly called woolly worm or woolly bear caterpillars, actually turn into yellowish Isabella tiger moths, Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife Deputy Administrator Rick Hargrave said.
“It’s typically weather that stimulates their movement,” Hargrave said. “Right now, is about the time they are probably out moving around.”
The caterpillars, Pyrrharctia isabella, hatch from eggs during warm weather months, then in autumn seek out shelter to hibernate until spring.
In spring the caterpillars spin their cocoons, and about two weeks later emerge as adult moths.
The moth is found throughout the United States and in parts of Canada and Mexico.