Some caterpillars have evolved with an antifreeze in their body cavities, allowing them to become

catter popsicles to survive cold winters, but climate change could threaten that.

There are caterpillars that have been reported to be put into an ice cube and frozen and

then when the ice cube melts they can get up and walk away.

You may have seen them scooting around on leaf litter in the fall.

They're furry, rotund, and famous for their rumored weather forecasting skills.

I'm talking about the woolly bear caterpillar, or Isabella Tegermoth.

These little creatures have an orange waste band stripe whose width is rumored to predict

how long winter might be.

And while this is based in colonial folklore, not science, what is scientifically amazing

is how the woolly bear caterpillar is able to survive winter.

I'm Kate Furby, and you're listening to Science Quickly.

Unlike humans and other mammals, caterpillars can't regulate their body temperatures, and

unless they burrow or cocoon, they're subject to the wind and rain.

The woolly bear caterpillar, like its name, is covered in a spiky looking fuzz.

And those hairs might think of as a little down jacket for the caterpillar to wear, and

I'm sure that they do provide a little bit of insulation.

That's Dr. Martha Weiss, a biologist and professor at Georgetown University who studies plant

insect interactions.

She says that the spiky little caterpillar jacket has a specific use, but not what you

might think.

Those hairs are thought to have evolved as a way to protect the caterpillars against

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