How to Identify Worm-Like Fuzzy Bugs with Red Long Hairs

Red furry caterpillars are fascinating. Their hairy bodies make them look like animals or strange miniature monsters. While there are a few different types of red furry caterpillars around the world, there are only a few varieties that live in the United States. Identifying caterpillars can be difficult if you are unfamiliar with the bugs, but with enough research and outside help you should be able to identify the caterpillars with little difficulty.

Magnifying glass
Ruler

Instructions

- 1
  Identify the type of hair growing on the caterpillar. Some caterpillars have hair all over their bodies, while others simply have tufts of red hair. Some caterpillars may have hair that looks more like spikes or spines.
- 2
  Look at the size of the caterpillar. Certain species of moths and butterflies have different sized bodies. Use a ruler to measure the length of the body, but don't touch the caterpillar, as some fuzzy caterpillars sting.
- 3
  Look for other colors on the caterpillar. The woolly bear caterpillar, which grows into a tiger moth as an adult, has a red body with two black ends. The bihar hairy caterpillar has red and yellow hairs on its body.
- 4
  Use these defining characteristics to find the type of caterpillar in a book or online. In the United States, there are just a couple of red fuzzy caterpillars. The main two are the woolly bear and bihar hairy caterpillar.
- 5
  Take the caterpillar to the local horticultural extension office for identification if you cannot find the type of caterpillar online or in any books.

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