Scientists estimate that wooly worms can probably survive temperatures of up to -90oF. Wooly worms can survive extreme cold temperatures because of the bristly hair that covers their entire body and their unique ability to produce an antifreeze-like coating made up of glycerol and other chemicals. As wooly worms molt (shed their skin), their color goes from mostly orange to the typical stripped look that is common in late fall. The colors vary according to the worm’s diet and its age.

While the striped black and brown wooly bear worm caterpillar is the best known, there are actually eight different species of wooly worms in a variety of colors, from light brown to white & black. A few weeks later, the Isabella Tiger Moth (a nocturnal yellowish moth with a two-inch wingspan), finally emerges. Once spring comes, the larva awakes to feed once more before entering its cocoon stage. Found throughout the United States, the wooly bear worm caterpillar is more commonly seen in the fall, looking for the ideal place (usually under rocks and inside logs) to hibernate. Also known as wooly worm, woolly worm, black-ended bear, fuzzy bear, or banded wooly bear, the wooly bear worm is actually the caterpillar (larval stage) of the Isabella Tiger Moth. The wooly bear worm is most famous for its legendary ability to predict winter weather.

Download light brown wooly worm