Watch for these fuzzy caterpillars wiggling across roads throughout Missouri in October — they move about 4 feet per minute. To learn more, crawl over to mdc.mo.gov/field-guide.
Woolly Bear Caterpillar
Wiggly Bottle Brush
Woolly bears are spiked with stiff hairs. When threatened, they curl up in a ball so the hairs poke outward.
Not Picky About Plants
Some caterpillars eat only a few kinds of plants. Not woolly bears. They eat nearly any plant.
Snug as a Bug
During winter, woolly bears curl up under leaf litter and wood piles to hide from predators like birds. Antifreeze in their body keeps them from freezing.
Fuzzy Forecasters?
Can a woolly bear’s stripes predict winter weather? No, but according to folklore, a wide brown band means a mild winter, while a narrow one predicts a severe winter.
Flying Tigers
In spring, woolly bears spin cocoons. Two weeks later, they emerge as Isabella tiger moths.
Also In This Issue
They’re big. They’re hairy. But are they really scary?
Missouri may not have palm-lined beaches, snowcapped mountains, or a Grand Canyon. But we certainly have our share of jaw-dropping scenery.
And More...
This Issue's Staff
Photographer – Noppadol Paothong
Photographer – David Stonner
Designer – Marci Porter
Art Director – Ben Nickelson
Editor – Matt Seek
Subscriptions – Marcia Hale
Magazine Manager – Stephanie Thurber