The woolly bear caterpillar—also called woolly worm or fuzzy worm—has the reputation of being able to forecast the coming winter weather. Whether this is fact or folklore, learn more about this legendary caterpillar and how to “read” the worm!
Here’s the legend: The Woolly Bear caterpillar has 13 distinct segments of either rusty brown or black. The wider the rusty brown sections (or the more brown segments there are), the milder the coming winter will be. The more black there is, the more severe the winter.
An interesting fact about these caterpillars is their coat. This is how God made them to survive winter. The fur is called setae and it isn't there to protect them from the cold weather. Instead it actually helps them to freeze more controllably. Here is something truly remarkable. Once settled in, the caterpillars hibernate, creating a natural organic antifreeze called glycerol. They freeze bit by bit, until everything but the interior of their cells are frozen. These interior cells are protected by the hemolymph. Woolly bears can - and do - survive to temperatures as low as -90ºF (-68ºC).
This is the smallest Wooly Bear I have ever seen. It measured about one half an inch long (12.7 mm) so I used my macro lens to make him look bigger.
Around here people have been seeing mostly black. I saw one last week with a hint of brown in the middle (not as much as yours) so I was only slightly relieved lol. Great photo!
@not_left_handed - There has been a wide range of predictions going around lately. One is that we are going to have the coldest winter in 50 years. A friend of mine knows a lady who has horses and she told him her horse's coats are thicker this year. The Farmer's Almanac's prediction doesn't sound promising either. https://www.farmersalmanac.com/extended-forecast
I enjoyed reading about the wooley bear Caterpillar. I spotted one last week and took a shot. The one I saw had more black than rust! Guess we are in for a rough winter in NY!
I love these little critters. This one you've photographed has much more rusty color than the ones I've seen crossing the roads around my home; they are completely black! My husband and I have a standing statement we say when we see winter prognosticators; "But what does it mean????" I'll admit this year's Wooly Worm colors have us concerned about the chill of the coming winter.
I appreciate your giving God the credit for this caterpillar's amazing design...
Such a dear little creature :) And thanks for all your info - very interesting reading. It will be interesting to see what your winter is going to be like as we here in Australia have a very hot summer predicted!!
@lyndemc - One of my favorite verses is Romans 1:20,
"For since the creation of the world God’s invisible qualities—his eternal power and divine nature—have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that people are without excuse."
@taffy - They are kind of cuddly. If you pick one up they will go into defensive mode and curl up. If you hold them in an open palm they will realize that you don't mean to harm them and they will uncurl and start walking on your hand.
https://www.farmersalmanac.com/extended-forecast
I appreciate your giving God the credit for this caterpillar's amazing design...
Thanks for your comment on my milkweed plant. You are always so supportive!
"For since the creation of the world God’s invisible qualities—his eternal power and divine nature—have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that people are without excuse."