Pronunciation: [wˈʊli bˈe͡ə] (IPA) 
The woolly bear is a fuzzy caterpillar commonly found in North America. Despite its cute appearance, its spelling can be confusing. The correct way to spell "woolly bear" is with two Ls and a Y, unlike the common spelling of "wooly bear" with only one L. This is because the word is derived from the Old English word for "wool". The phonetic transcription of the word is /ˈwʊliː ˈbɛər/.
Woolly bear refers to a type of caterpillar that belongs to the family of moths known as Arctiidae. Scientifically named Pyrrharctia isabella, it is commonly found in North America. This caterpillar is known for its distinct appearance, which consists of a hairy and dense covering of bristly black and reddish-brown hairs. The name "woolly bear" is derived from the caterpillar's fuzzy texture, resembling the texture of wool.
The woolly bear caterpillar is widely recognized for its supposed ability to predict the severity of upcoming winters. According to folklore, the amount of black on its body is believed to indicate the harshness of the coming winter season. If the woolly bear's orange-brown band is narrow, it suggests a harsh winter, while a wider band indicates a milder winter. However, this prediction has no scientific basis and should be viewed merely as a fun, non-scientific belief.
Woolly bears prefer to inhabit meadows, forests, and gardens where they primarily feed on a variety of plants. They undergo multiple molts as they grow, shedding their exoskeleton to accommodate their increasing size. After reaching maturity, woolly bears typically spin a cocoon and undergo metamorphosis, transforming into a moth. The adult form of the woolly bear moth is characterized by a reddish-brown body with small white spots.
Overall, the woolly bear caterpillar presents an interesting and widely recognizable insect species whose appearance and folklore have captured the fascination of many.
The word "woolly bear" has an interesting etymology. It is derived from the combination of two words: "woolly" and "bear".
The term "woolly" comes from the Middle English word "wolle", which means "wool". It originated from the Old English word "wull", derived from the Proto-Germanic word "wullō". This word referred to the soft, thick hair that covers the bodies of certain animals, such as sheep. Over time, "woolly" came to describe anything covered or resembling wool.
The term "bear" comes from the Old English word "bera", which traces its roots back to Proto-Germanic. The word "bera" referred specifically to the large, carnivorous mammal known as a bear. It has remained relatively unchanged in various Germanic languages.
