What common weather folklore predicts if a woolly bear caterpillar exhibits a wider rusty-brown band?
Answer
It predicts a milder winter.
The enduring folklore surrounding the coloration of the banded woolly bear links the width of the central rusty-brown band directly to the severity of the forthcoming winter season. Specifically, the tradition holds that if the rusty-brown band is wider in comparison to the black bands at the ends, it serves as a prediction for a winter that will be milder than average. Conversely, a narrower brown band, indicating more black coloration, traditionally foretells a harsher winter. This interpretation is a key component of the long-standing tradition associated with observing these caterpillars in autumn.
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