Date: 08/14/1998

Number: 1

I observed my first Banded Woollybear caterpillar of the season!

Caterpillar Predicting The Weather??

Folklore says that the size of the center band on the woollybear caterpillar (Isia isabella) compared to its other two bands can foretell what our winter will be like: If the center band is the widest of the three, there will be a mild winter, but if the center band is narrowest, it will be colder than normal; if all three are equal, the winter should be average.

If this legend holds true, we'll be having a mild winter from what I observed on this single caterpillar.

How about you? Try testing this weather notion yourself the next time you see a woollybear caterpillar!

Victoria, MN

Latitude: 44.9 Longitude: -93.7

Observed by: Julie
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