Wooly Weather Predictor?

We rely on the groundhog to predict our spring. So can that wooly caterpillar predict next winter?

Wooly caterpillars are making their way out of their cocoons soon. Folklore says the size of their red and black bands can help us know what to expect this winter. The wider the black bands, the more severe our winter will be. Unfortunately, scientists have taken all the fun out of that theory. They have hatched Isabella Tiger moth larvae, or Wooly Bear caterpillars, under identical conditions – only to find their stripes to be varied. Actually, the size of the stripe continues to change as they mature. The older the Wooly Bear - the larger the red stripe will be.

As far as crawly things go – the Wooly Bear is pretty cute. Although they’re not poisonous, don’t pick one up if you’ve got sensitive skin. Their bristles can trigger dermatitis in some people.