The woolly bear caterpillar (the larval stage of the Isabella tiger moth) is often said to predict the severity of the coming winter based on the width of its brown band: • Wide brown band → A milder winter ahead. • Narrow brown band (more black at the ends) → A harsher, colder winter. This belief comes from American folklore and has been around since the 1800s. In reality, scientists have found that the band size is more related to the caterpillar’s age, growth stage, and past weather condition

The story goes that wooly worms, or caterpillars, can actually predict the severity of the coming winter. According to legend, the wooly-ness of the wooly worm can predict how cold the winter is going to be. Scientists say there is some truth to the legend. KCCI’s Dana Cardin reported in September 1989. | KCCI

Fall temperatures bring out these fuzzy friends! 🐛The Woolly bear caterpillar is the larval stage of the Isabella tiger moth. They survive the winter months as caterpillars by seeking shelter, making a nest from leaves and garden debris, and producing glycerol, a natural antifreeze, inside their bodies. Their behavior and appearance is linked to folklore that suggests a large rusty brown band on their hairy bodies indicates a milder winter, while more black fur suggests a harsher winter. If the