Looking down in the water, I was a little surprised to see a Banded Wooly Bear caterpillar (Pyrrharctia isabella) swimming, albeit not too quickly. He would slowly undulate his hairy body for a stroke and pause, and then repeat the process. It was fascinating to see the little air bubbles surrounding his mouth and the gentle ripples produced by his movement.
This caterpillar will almost certainly overwinter in his current state and pupate in the spring into an Isabella Tiger Moth. Bugguide notes that there are normally two broods, on that pupates in the summer and the other in the following spring. I have looked at some photos of the moth and can’t help but note that the caterpillar stage is a lot more attractive and interesting.
Wooly Bear caterpillar swimming (click for higher resolution)
Wooly Bear caterpillar pauses for a breath (click for higher resolution)
© Michael Q. Powell. All rights reserved.
Mike Powell 
Interesting-i never new caterpillars could swim.
I’ve seen it twice now, so I can confirm that it is true. This one seemed to be doing it on purpose, for reasons I can’t explain.
OK that caterpillar had a wide middle. I forget what is the old wives tale. Something about winter and the middle.
I learned something new. That caterpillar is showing exceptionally good form.
Carpe diem! Best do it now, it won’t be possible later in life.. Adorable, great captures Mike!!
Thanks, and I agree with you about the fleeting nature of time. It’s time to start doing some of those “some day I would like to…” things.
I’m surprised it would even be out. You must be warmer than we are.
It was in the upper 40’s or so when I took the photo, I think, so I was surprised too.
where could i find caterpillars like those?
I think they are supposed to be pretty common, though I confess that I don’t see them very often,