Which moth is the adult form of the caterpillar commonly called the woolly bear?

The Isabella tiger moth is the adult form of the caterpillar commonly called the woolly bear.

The Isabella tiger moth, Pyrrharctia isabella, is a North American arctiine moth. Its larva is widely known as the banded woolly bear because it is covered with dense black and reddish-brown bristles. The caterpillar’s bands vary in width and color among individuals, so folklore about predicting winter from its stripes has no reliable scientific basis.

Woolly bears can be seen crossing roads and paths in autumn as they search for sheltered places to spend the winter. They may freeze and later resume activity because their bodies produce cryoprotective chemicals. In spring, they complete development and emerge as yellowish or orange-brown moths.

The caterpillar’s bristles are not venomous stinging hairs like those of some other moth larvae, although sensitive people may experience irritation from handling them. The species is widespread in eastern and central North America.