Woolly Bear Season
Yep, it’s that time again – here’s a Woolly Bear caterpillar (Pyrrharctia isabella) that I saw crossing the road last week. In this case I think we can say that its goal was definitely to get to the other side. If you have not encountered any of them before the old story goes that more extensive black covering the body means it will be a colder and snowier winter will be for us, and the more brown a caterpillar has the warmer it will be. This one seems like a relatively balanced individual, so maybe we will all end up happy this winter. Scott Kruitbosch Conservation &...
Read MoreBanded Woolly Bear
This Banded Woolly Bear caterpillar (Pyrrharctia isabella) had already gone into defensive mode, balling up after I spotted it and before I returned with my camera. I will say one thing for this individual – I love the look! The old story goes that more extensive black covering the body means it will be a colder and snowier winter will be for us, and the more brown a caterpillar has the warmer it will be. Even though it is not stretched out you can see how much brown we have here, and I like it! I think we could all go for a warmer winter than the last two historically cold seasons. I...
Read MoreCan Woolly Bear Caterpillars Predict Winter Severity?
Have you ever heard the myth that woolly bear caterpillars (Pyrrharctia isabella) can predict the severity of the winter season? According to folklore, the longer the black extends down the body segments, the colder or snowier the winter will be in the locality the caterpillar is found. On the other hand, the longer the brown extends in the middle of the body, the milder the winter will be. This individual in particular seems to be indicating a severe winter, as the black coloration extends quite far down the body from each end. Although this may not be the prediction you were hoping for,...
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