Yellow Woolly Bear Caterpillar in Oklahoma

The Yellow Woolly Bear Caterpillar is not always easy to spot. During a summer walk at Sequoyah National Wildlife Refuge in Oklahoma, I found one clinging upside down beneath a leaf. At first, I almost missed it because the caterpillar blended so well with the greenery. However, the long whisker-like hairs caught the light and revealed its fuzzy form.

Wildlife Notes: Behavior and Life Cycle

The Yellow Woolly Bear Caterpillar is the larval stage of the Virginia Tiger Moth (Spilosoma virginica). These caterpillars vary in color, from pale cream to golden yellow, and sometimes even orange. Their long hairs look sharp, but they are harmless to people. For predators, however, the hairs serve as a warning sign.

Like other caterpillars, the Yellow Woolly Bear eventually spins a cocoon and transforms. The adult moth is mostly white with small black spots. Although the moth is less striking than its larva, it plays an important role as a pollinator and as prey for birds and bats.

In addition, Sequoyah NWR provides excellent habitat for these insects. The refuge’s mix of wetlands, grasslands, and woodlands ensures a constant supply of host plants. This diversity makes it possible to see caterpillars throughout the growing season if you look closely.

Photography Notes: Capturing a Hidden Subject

Photographing the Yellow Woolly Bear Caterpillar came with challenges. Its upside-down position beneath the leaf meant limited light and tricky angles. I had to crouch low and steady the camera carefully to get a clear shot.

For this image, I used a Canon EOS R5 Mark II paired with the Canon RF 100–500mm F4.5–7.1 L IS USM lens. My settings were:

• Aperture: ƒ/10 for balanced depth of field
• Shutter Speed: 1/800 to freeze any subtle movement
• ISO: 3200 to handle the shaded conditions without underexposure

The macro-like reach of the telephoto lens allowed me to keep some distance without disturbing the caterpillar. Because it was tucked under a leaf, light was limited. Increasing the ISO and widening the aperture helped brighten the subject without losing sharpness.

For anyone photographing small insects, patience is key. Moving slowly reduces the chance of scaring your subject. In this case, waiting a few moments for the light to shift gave me a brighter shot without using flash. For example, morning and late afternoon often offer softer light that highlights textures without harsh shadows.

Takeaway

The Yellow Woolly Bear Caterpillar may look like just another fuzzy insect, but finding one reminds us how much life thrives in small spaces. Paying attention to hidden details not only improves wildlife encounters but also challenges photographers to slow down and notice more.