![]() Furthermore, there are over 250 species of tiger moths, so many of the apparent color variations found in woolly worms are often the result of happening upon a different species. After each molt their coloring becomes less black and more reddish, so coloring also indicates age. Woolly worms shed their skins or “molt” six times before reaching adulthood. Since their coloring is based on how long the caterpillar has been feeding, plentiful food results in a narrower middle section and longer (wider), dark-colored tips. As would be expected, woolly worms become larger (and longer) during good growing seasons. Obviously fuzzy (woolly), they are black at both ends, and sport a reddish-brown or rust-colored middle with alternating stripes. ![]() The appearance of woolly worms makes them easy to recognize. The Isabella Tiger Moth is active throughout the summer – laying eggs so more woolly worms can emerge to spend the warm months feeding on dandelions, clovers, and just about every variety of grass and weed. Its wings lack distinctive markings, but the abdomen is marked by rows of small black dots. Just about everyone is familiar with the caterpillar stage, but few realize each fuzzy, 1½ inch worm eventually becomes an Isabella Tiger Moth. After about two weeks, an orange-yellow moth emerges. It then awakens and continues to feed before forming a cocoon. While most caterpillars become moths in less than a month, the woolly worm crawls under a rock or fallen log and hibernates in a larvae stage until spring. It is so effective that woolly worms have been known to survive entire winters completely frozen in an ice cube. The coat of the woolly caterpillar is a cold weather survival mechanism. These beautiful creatures are not just taking a walk they are in search of a sheltered location to spend the winter. The woolly worm, or “woolly bear” to non-southerners, is a caterpillar often sighted in the autumn months weaving through the grass or along the branches of trees and bushes. Nonetheless, even with modern conveniences, a vast infrastructure, and various technologies, many Appalachian residents still rely on a traditional method to predict the severity of the short days and long nights of winter: the Woolly Worm. Media stations alert the public to approaching storms and frigid temperatures days in advance. However, whether individuals run outside or hunker down inside, knowing what weather to expect is important. Warm houses fill with company, and “comfort” foods like stews and chili simmer in large vessels. Locals gather around large bonfires or propane heaters to enjoy friends. In contrast, today, winter is welcomed by many. Barns and houses were repaired, fuelwood was cut and gathered, and foodstuffs were harvested and stored. Residents of the rural, agrarian region spent the temperate months planning and preparing for the hardships severe and unpredictable weather could cause. Many basic necessities such as mobility, heat, and food were not taken for granted. ![]() Not too many generations ago, before snow plows, central heat, and supermarkets, winters in Appalachia were a much different experience than they are today. So if you want a headstart on the forecast for next winter’s weather, head for Banner Elk in October. Banner Elk in Avery County has been hosting a Woolly Worm Festival since 1978, and it claims 82% accuracy for its woolly weathermen. The darker the stripe, the colder and snowier the weather for that week. According to woolly worm prognosticators, each stripe corresponds to one of the 13 weeks of winter, from December to March. The worms, otherwise known as the caterpillar larva of the Isabella tigermoth, wear 13 alternating black and brown stripes. That’s what many people in Appalachia have done for generations. If you want a forecast of the coming winter’s weather, just ask a woolly worm. Creative Commons Image Obtained through Wikimedia
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