During our annual fieldtrip to the Radke Apple Orchard, a few kids found woolly bear caterpillars. This fuzzy larva turns into the Isabella tiger moth, but only after spinning a cocoon in the spring. As its name indicates, it hibernates all winter like a bear.
Woolly bears are famous meteorologists! Folklore says that their colored bands can predict upcoming winter weather. A wider black band means a severe winter, while more of the cinnamon-brown band means a mild winter. Looks like a severe Chicago winter may be on the way - just great.
Here's a picture of an Isabella tiger moth:
