Re: Please help us identify a caterpillar and its diet requirements.

Well I think that from the color description. It sounds like you have a
Wooley Bear caterpillar, which is the larval stage of the Tiger Moth.  Here
are some pictures for you to compare it to: http://www.enter.net/~wxdata/wooly.htm


This question has been asked before and detailed information can be found
at the Michigan Entomology society site on Tiger Moths at 
  http://insects.ummz.lsa.umich.edu/MES/notes/entnote19.html
 and for caterpillars in general, at the Mad Scientist's site at: 
http://www.madsci.org/posts/archives/nov99/941930502.Zo.q.html

But allow me to help you understand the marvel at the wonder of the simple
creatures around us.  If you think about it, I am sure that you have had
freezing cold temperatures and snow before you found it.  So it obviously
survived that.  Insects can survive cold temperature because they produce a
type of antifreeze in their system that allows them to go into a suspended
state until conditions are more favorable and their food source begins to
emerge in the spring.   So, while you may be concerned, it would be quite
alright to return the caterpillar to where you found it, allowing it to
continue it life cycle in it's natural state or follow the directions in
keeping it as a pet.  


Have fun! Aren't bugs great!
                         Elsa Salazar Cade