Arctia

/ɑːrkˈtɪə/ noun

Definition

A genus of woolly bear moths found in Arctic and subarctic regions, named for their hairy caterpillar stage.

Etymology

From Latin 'arcticus' (Arctic) due to the genus's northern habitat. The genus name was scientifically designated to reflect where these moths are predominantly found.

Kelly Says

Those fuzzy caterpillars you see in fall that roll into a ball are often Arctia moths—there's a folk belief that the amount of brown coloring predicts winter severity, but it's actually random!

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