Despite speculation, their direction of travel is not a predictor of winter weather either.

The woolly bear feeds primarily on grasses and weeds. Likewise, the density of their fur is dependent on whether they overwinter in a cold part of the country or a milder one. The size of the black bands, located at the head and rear end, is really indicative of their stage of development and the moisture levels of where they live, not their ability to predict coming weather. There are two generations per year, but their fall appearance garners the most chat about their prediction capabilities. These cute fuzzy black and brown banded caterpillars ( Pyrrharctica isabella) are the immature stage of the Isabella tiger moth. Kathleen Cue, Nebraska Extension Educator in Dodge Countyĭoes the woolly bear caterpillar forecast the weather? Stories on websites, podcasts, blogs, newsfeeds, television, and radio like to add to the speculation, but could it be possible this furry caterpillar that rolls up into a ball when disturbed is just that-a furry caterpillar that rolls up into a ball when disturbed?!

Download the wooly caterpillar