What is a caterpillar?
A caterpillar is the larval, or immature stage of moths and butterflies (Lepidoptera Order). They are wormlike and often brightly colored with hair on their body. Most insects have a larval stage known as a ‘grub’, when they have six legs. Butterfly and moth grubs have up to ten extra legs, called ‘prolegs.’ Since these extra legs cause them to look and act differently, they are called ‘caterpillars.’ Some caterpillars turn into butterflies, but most turn into moths. What is a Cocoon? Adult female insects lay eggs and wormlike larvae hatch from the eggs and when they are fully grown they become helpless pupae. By one of the most mysterious and wonderful processes in nature, a pupa is transformed into an adult. This four-stage life cycle is called complete metamorphosis. The larvae of most moths and many other kinds of insects including ants and fleas build cocoons around themselves where all of the changes take place from larva to pupa and from pupa to adult. Cocoons are made of silk s
Most insects have a larval stage known as a ‘grub’, with six legs. Butterfly and moth grubs have up to ten extra legs, called ‘prolegs.’ Since these extra legs cause them to look and act differently, these grubs are called ‘caterpillars.’ Some caterpillars turn into butterflies, but most turn into moths.
