Caterpillar (Lepidoptera larvae)

Caterpillars are the larval stage of moths and butterflies, part of the Lepidoptera order. They are soft-bodied, elongated insects that typically have multiple legs and often display distinctive colors and patterns for camouflage or warning. Caterpillars primarily feed on leaves, fueling their growth before transforming into pupae and eventually emerging as adult butterflies or moths. Their bodies are specialized for eating and development, and they play a vital role in ecosystems as herbivores and prey for various predators. Recognizing caterpillars can help in understanding insect life cycles and their roles in nature.