Heritage Moment Essays
Woolly Worms
Thursday, 01 May 2008 23:09
If you want a forecast of the coming winter’s weather, just ask a woolly worm. That’s what many people in Appalachia have done for generations. The worms, otherwise known as the caterpillar larva of the Isabella tigermoth, wear 13 alternating black and brown stripes. According to woolly worm prognosticators, each stripe corresponds to one of the 13 weeks of winter, from December to March. The darker the stripe, the colder and snowier the weather for that week. Banner Elk in Avery County has been hosting a Woolly Worm Festival since 1978, and it claims 82% accuracy for its woolly weathermen. So if you want a headstart on the forecast for next winter’s weather, head for Banner Elk in October.
Not too many generations ago, before snow plows, central heat, and supermarkets, winters in Appalachia were a much different experience than they are today. Many basic necessities such as mobility, heat, and food could not be taken for granted. Residents spent the temperate months planning and preparing for the hardships that severe and unpredictable weather could cause. Barns and houses were repaired, fuelwood was cut and stacked, and foodstuffs were harvested and stored. In contrast, today winter is welcomed by many. Skiing and snowboarding are popular. Locals gather around large bonfires or propane heaters to enjoy friends. Warm houses fill with company, and “comfort” foods like stews and chili simmer in large pots. However, whether playing outside or hunkering down inside, knowing what weather to expect is important. The media alert the public to approaching storms and frigid temperatures days in advance. 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 winte--the woolly worm.
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. These beautiful creatures are not just taking a walk; they are in search of a sheltered location to spend the winter. The coat of the woolly caterpillar is a cold-weather survival mechanism. It is so effective that woolly worms have been known to survive entire winters completely frozen in an ice cube. While most caterpillars become moths in less than a month, the woolly worm crawls under a rock or fallen log and hibernates in a larva stage until spring. It then awakens and feeds before forming a cocoon. After about two weeks, an orange-yellow moth emerges. Just about everyone is familiar with the caterpillar stage, but few realize that each fuzzy, 1½-inch worm eventually becomes an Isabella Tiger Moth. The moth is of medium size. Its wings lack distinctive markings, but the abdomen is marked by rows of small black dots. 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.
The appearance of woolly worms makes them easy to recognize. Obviously fuzzy (woolly), they are black at both ends and sport a reddish-brown or rust-colored middle with alternating stripes. As would be expected, woolly worms become larger (and longer) during good growing seasons. 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. Woolly worms shed their skins or “molt” six times before reaching adulthood. After each molt their coloring becomes less black and more reddish, so coloring also indicates age. Furthermore, there are over 250 species of tiger moths, so many of the apparent color variations found in woolly worms often indicate a different species. However, the true woolly worm of the Isabella Tiger Moth has the stripes mentioned above, alternating between black and lighter shades.
Outsiders often ask residents of Appalachia if woolly worms can really forecast winter weather. Now the uninitiated may claim there is no scientific evidence suggesting that woolly worms can predict the weather, and that variations in their bands are linked to differences in species and larval stage, not to cold, rain, sunshine, or clouds. However, the forecasting talent of the woolly worm have been a part of traditional lore for so many generations that is bound to be true! Mountain folk insist that a careful observation in the fall of these short, fuzzy caterpillars provides an accurate method to determine the severity of the approaching winter. However, it takes an experienced and well-trained eye.
First, look at the size of the bands. If the size (or width) of the interior band on a woolly worm is narrow, then it is likely a harsh winter is approaching. If the interior band is wide and the black bands on each end are shorter, a mild winter can be expected. Next, forecasters will examine the color of the woolly worm. If the front end of the worm is darker than the back, then the first part of the winter will be severe, the latter mild. Reverse the colors and the forecast reverses as well. Also, if the thirteen alternating stripes in the center band are dark, that is an indication of a long, cold winter. A mild season can be expected if the stripes seem especially light. Finally, observe the woolly worm’s travel direction. If he is migrating along a southerly route then beware – winter is going to be especially harsh. However, if the caterpillar is crawling rapidly (for a worm) in a northerly direction, then winter will be sunny and mild rather than bitter and blustery.
In recognition of the woolly worm’s seasonal and cultural contributions, every year a celebration is held in his honor.
Since 1978, on the third weekend in October, the town of Banner Elk, nestled between North Carolina’s two largest ski resorts, hosts the annual Woolly Worm Festival. Twenty thousand people attend the three-day event that features crafts, food, and live entertainment. However, the big draw is the Woolly Worm Races. In addition to a $1000 prize, the winner is designated the official winter forecasting caterpillar. Races begin each morning around ten. Individual heats consist of 20 entries, and races continue all day until the grand finale occurs in late afternoon. On Saturday, the winning worm is declared the grand prize recipient. The Sunday worm races are for fun, small prizes, and prestige. Worms are required to complete a grueling climb up a three-foot length of string. Past winners include famous entries such as Merryweather, Patsy Climb, and Dale Wormhardt. There is no home-field advantage and no age requirement for persons sponsoring worms (although worms raced by children do seem to win a bit more frequently). In 2006, an audience member commented, “There is no other experience in life that can produce the absurd euphoria that comes from cheering for a caterpillar to climb a string!”
So next year, for great fun and a sample of Appalachian heritage, head to the Woolly Worm Festival, one of the top ten fall festivals in North America. There you can get a firsthand look at one of nature’s truly remarkable creatures. At that time, you must decide to believe either what modern science tells you or follow the sage advice of native mountain folk and listen to the wise woolly worm. However, whichever you choose, remember that this fall's woolly worms will become next spring's moths - and that in itself is a pretty amazing feat!
Below is the Digital Heritage Moment as broadcast on the radio:
For more information please see the following:
Woolly Worms & Wombats by Chris Dawson
http://www.insectslimited.com/Issue%2077.pdf
http://web.extension.uiuc.edu/greenline/i1343_384.html
http://www.banner-elk.com/?subPage=40
http://web.aces.uiuc.edu/urban/macon/inout/030921.html