Caterpillars

Caterpillars are the baby form of butterflies and moths. They look like small, wiggly worms with legs. Caterpillars eat lots of leaves to grow bigger. They have soft bodies and short legs. Later, they change into flying insects.

Always Eating

Caterpillars spend most of their time eating. They chew on leaves with their strong jaws. As they grow, their skin gets too tight. They shed their old skin and grow new skin. A caterpillar may shed its skin four or five times.

Big Change

When a caterpillar is big enough, it makes a chrysalis or cocoon. Inside, it slowly changes into a butterfly or moth. This amazing change is called metamorphosis. It can take days or weeks to finish. When ready, a beautiful winged insect comes out.

Fun Facts

• Caterpillars have 12 eyes but still cannot see very well.
• Some caterpillars have bright colors to warn animals they taste bad.
• A caterpillar can eat many times its own weight in leaves.

Did You Know?

Caterpillars have more muscles than humans do, with around 4,000 muscles in their tiny bodies.