Wooly worm meteorology
September 24, 2008
St. Charles County
by Kris Kolk
Wooly worms can be found bustling hither and tither these days, some with intense momentum. If we are able to inspect one, if they slow down long enough, we may obtain special insights about our coming winter.
Scoff if you must, but some say these furry forecasters’ predictions are correct 85% of the time.
What to look for:
Black caterpillars sport a brownish-orange band around their middles. The wider the brown band, supposedly, the milder the winter. The saying goes, “More brown than black means a gentle winter. More black than brown means a harsh winter.”
What do the local woolies say about this winter?
It seems that Missouri wooly worms are predicting a harsh winter while their nearby Illinois counterparts debate the issue. Perhaps the two states will experience winter in different ways this year. See the photos above.
What’s with all the hubbub?
This time of year, caterpillars are leaving their food sources, such as grass and dandelions.
The wooly worms (or wooly bears) we see inching about recently are searching for some prime real estate. Hibernation season is almost upon them and they need to secure a choice spot under a log or big rock.
When spring arrives, they will catch a bite to eat and then create cocoons. About two weeks later, they will turn into tiger moths.
It’s fun to get up-close to nature. But heed this warning: The fur of the wooly worm has been known to “sting” and give people severe reactions when touched. Please, do not touch a wooly worm.
For more fun, visit www.woolyworm.com. This site posts the winner of an annual wooly worm race. The winning caterpillar officially determines the community’s winter forecast.
Copyright 2008 Neighbors About Town