Caterpillar

Caterpillar are the babies (larvae) of butterflies and moths.

Fun Caterpillar facts!

• There are more than 20,000 different species of caterpillars found around the planet.
• The fascinating cycle of caterpillars transforming into butterflies and moths is called complete metamorphosis.
• Butterflies and moths lay their eggs on plant leaves. When caterpillars are first born from the eggs, they are called larva.
• Larva eat continuously to grow. As caterpillars grow, their skin becomes too tight so they shed, or molt.
• After molting several times, a caterpillar may look very different than when first born – becoming fuzzy and featuring different colors, spines, bristles and tufts (called pencils).
• Different species of caterpillars vary in size, color and appearance to intimidate their predators to keep from being eaten.