Arctiidae is a family of the Lepidoptera found all over the world, representing the tiger moths.
Some produce foul chemicals. They can be poisonous, or can look just like kinds of moths that are poisonous.
Many species have hairy caterpillars which are popularly known as woolly bears. The scientific name refers to this (Gk. αρκτος = a bear). The caterpillars are usually active during the daytime. If disturbed, they will roll into a tight spiral. Colonial superstition has it that the forthcoming weather can be predicted by the amount of black on a woolly bear caterpillar.
Some species:
Last updated: 05-22-2005 02:05:21
