Yellow Woolly Bear caterpillar on gravel near the lake shore. As an adult it is known as a Virginia Tiger Moth. The caterpillars feed mostly on low growing plant leaves and are known to “skeletonize” by eating the soft tissue parts of the leaf and leaving only the thick veins or skeleton. What good are moths, other than being attracted to your porch lights? The caterpillars are a major food source for adult songbirds and their nestlings. The adult moth in flight is a food source for many species of bats that feed only while flying. Birds, such as swallows and nighthawks, that feed solely on the wing, depend on them for food. Some moths are nectar feeders and help pollinate flowers. Moths are pretty important!
Caterpillar image by #DoctorBot and adult moth image copyright Chuck Sexton. #LakeKirby
Texas Rolling Plains Naturalist 