Banded Wooly Bear
download 
Entomologist Dr. Art Evans and WCVE producer Steve Clark debunk the myth of banded wooly bears as meteorological prognosticators and explore the Wooly Bear's ability to keep from freezing in winter. Note that "wooly" is the American spelling. In Britain it is spelled “woolly.”
Key words: banded wooly bear, banded woolly bear, wooly worm, tiger moth
Photo: Banded wooly bear, Pyrrharctica isabella
I have pictures of a small (1/8") or so black bug that looks like 2 cylinders joined together. When I pull them off my red plastic gas container they are usually half buried in holes in the plastic. Have you ever heard of anything like this?
Hi Hartley - Sounds intriguing - if you can send us a close-up picture maybe we can get Dr. Art Evans to identify it. :)
Ami Kim
Social Media Manager, The Community Idea Stations
My daughter, who is now five, used to be so terrified by all things creepy crawly, a conidtion I thought was hereditary. But this year she has developed a great curiosity for insects, particularly encouraged by her school which is very entrenched in all things natural. Her curiosity has led her to colelct bugs, inspect them under magnifying glasses, and seek to identify and classify the creatures she has found. She also listens to NPR with me in the mornings on our long commute to her school and we very much enjoy the What's Bugging You segment on Tuesdays mornings. Knowing that your audience includes this group of inquisitive kids whom you've inspired to be dazzled by the mysteries of bugdom, I wonder if perhaps you'd consider leaving our allies Santa and the Easter Bunny out of the occasional interviews? :) I'd be much appreicative. But otherwise, thanks for the ever engaging pieces.
Thank you for your very kind note and for listening to WBY? on WCVE!
My sincerest apologies to you, your daughter, and other listeners who were caught off guard by my parting and decidedly non-entomological remark at the end of this segment. I did not take into account the sensibilities of the entire WBY? audience and will endeavor to do better in the future!
I am glad to be reminded once again that there are parents like you that encourage their children to explore the wonders of nature, especially insects. Keep up the good work! Please don't hesitate to contact me if I can ever be of assistance with an identification-I am always happy to help!
Most sincerely, ART EVANS
Post new comment