variation in their color banding, and a larva's brown band tends to widen with age as it molts. Another version of this belief is that the direction in which a Pyrrharctia isabella crawls indicates the winter weather, with the caterpillar crawling south to escape colder weather. There is no scientific evidence for winter weather prediction by Pyrrharctia isabella. Woollybear festivals Woollybear festivals are held in several locations in the fall. Vermilion, Ohio, in October, begun in 1973, the Woollybear Festival features woollybear costume contests for children and pets and the Woolybear 500 caterpillar races. Banner Elk, North Carolina, begun in 1977, features crafts, food, and races. The winning woollybear predicts the winter weather for the following winter. Beattyville, Kentucky, begun 1988, called the Woolly Worm Festival, features food, vendors, live music, and a Woolly Worm Race in which people race the woollybear caterpillar up vertical strings. Oil City, Pennsylvania, Woolley Bear Jamboree, begun in 2008, features Oil Valley Vick to predict the winter weather. Little Valley, New York, has held a Woolley Bear Weekend since 2012. References External links Spilosomina Moths of North America Weather lore Moths described in 1797