Woolly bear

Woolly bears are the larval form of the varied carpet beetle. The larvae are distinguishable by their brown, yellow and black bands and hairy bodies. They feed on vegetable matter (outdoors) and natural fibres (indoors). They can be a serious household pest, damaging clothes, furniture and carpets. They may come into houses from infested birds nests or in carpets, furniture or clothing from an infested home or store.

The hairy caterpillars of the Arctiidae family of moths are also known as woolly bears.