The winter predictor? I wonder what kind of winter he's predicting when he's all orange . . . ? Ours are usually black and rust.

Okay, I just read this:

In the American Northeast, it is believed that if the woolly worm has more brown on its body than black, it will be a fair winter. If the woolly worm has more black than brown, the winter will be harsh.

I hope it's accurate. :-)

Thanks, Moonie!

As much as I'd love a mild winter, that doesn't look like a wooly worm/woolly bear. In my experience they have no long 'hairs'. Try Virginia/Virginian tiger moth.

Bingo, Mama Goose! That looks just like it. Ah, well, anticipating a mild winter was nice while it lasted. Thanks!

Darn it! Guess I will go buy some long johns.

Spilosoma virginica, Mama Goose is exactly right! They can often be found in a yellow form and even mixed colors. But the smallish moth is always the same, with bright white wings and an elegant furry upper body, like an ermine hood.