caterpillar insect in wildlife

Caterpillars are the larval stage of Lepidoptera (an insect sequence consisting of butterflies and moths).

Like many common names, the term is arbitrary because the larvae of saw flies are also known as caterpillars. Both Lepidopteran and Symphyton larvae have body shapes.

The caterpillars of many species are herbivores (foliage) but not all; Some (about 1%) are pesticides, even killers. Some feed on other animal products; For example, clothing moths feed on fur, while horned moths feed on hooves and horns on dead wrists.

Caterpillars are generally volatile feeders, and many of them are the most serious of the agricultural pests. In fact, many moth species are more prevalent during their caterpillar stage due to the damage they cause to fruits and other agricultural products. Moths are obscure and do no direct harm. On the other hand, caterpillar species are valued as sources of silk, as human or animal food, or for the biological control of pests.