What is fuzzy worm?

Fuzzy worms, also known as woolly worms or caterpillars, are small and furry worms commonly found in North America. They belong to the family of insects called Arctiidae and have a distinctive black and brown banding pattern on their bodies. They are known for their fuzzy and soft appearance due to the dense set of hairs covering their body that protect them from predators.

Fuzzy worms have an important role in the ecosystem as they are preyed upon by birds, small mammals, and other insect-eating animals. They primarily feed on grasses and other low-lying plants and often survive harsh winter conditions by hibernating inside leaf litter or soil.

In folklore, it is believed that the color pattern of a fuzzy worm can predict the coming winter weather. A legend holds that if the brown bands on the worm's body are thicker than the black bands, then it will be a milder winter. However, this superstition is not scientifically proven and should not be relied upon for weather predictions.