Caterpillar Information :

In England and Europe there is over 800 species of caterpillar, possibly more undiscovered. Worldwide there is over 15000 different species. The caterpillar is made up of 13 segments. Its head is made up of simple eyes, some antennae and mouth of strong chewing parts. The three first segments (thoracic segments) each has a pair of true legs, which will become the butterflies legs later in life. The other 10 segments (abdominal segments) usually contain 5 pairs of pro legs which are to support the growing body. At the bottom of the pro legs are little hooks called crochets which act as grippers for climbing. Some caterpillars don't have any pro legs. Caterpillars don't breathe through there mouth, they have small circular openings on each side of there body called spiracles which air passes in and out.

Habitat:

Caterpillars live anywhere where there is access to water and a plant to feed on. They live worldwide in all kinds of conditions, from rain forests, to open grassy plains, or simply in your back garden where u can find them hiding under leafs and on plant stems, branches or crawling around. You will know there has been caterpillars about when they reach there final stage in life and you can spot various different butterflies in your garden.

Diet; Food and eating habbits:

Caterpillars spend most of there time eating leaves. They find a tasty looking plant and spend most of there days eating and gaining wait, size and strength. Preparing for the day in which it will cocoon itself where it will complete turning into a butterfly, a process called metamorphosis.
 

Predators:

Caterpillars are food for nearly every carnivore. They are eaten by birds, mammals, spiders, beetles and many others. They provide a very nutritious and protein filled meal for any animal. "Anybody for a caterpillar sandwich?"
 

Social Structure:

Caterpillars are often found on there own but can be found in certain parts of the world working in teams. Much like ants, termites, and bees the caterpillars will have certain roles supporting the group in which they live. Some will collect food, others will build a home and others will defend there home. All working in a group together allows the caterpillars to survive a lot longer and increase there chance of becoming a beautiful butterfly.
 

Birth, Offspring:

A caterpillar starts its life as a tiny egg which is laid by the female butterfly. After 6-7 days a tiny worm will emerge from the egg. The larva then eats and eats and grows several times its original size. This fully grown larva is known as a caterpillar which has all its legs and its extra set of pro legs. Once the caterpillar has taken on enough food and grown to a sufficient size it spins a cocoon around its body and fastens itself to a plant using a silk thread, often in hard to spot place keeping safe from predators. Here the caterpillar will go through complete metamorphosis and turn into a butterfly.
 

Attributes:

A caterpillar is a fascinating creature. It undergoes four stages of life, turning from an egg, to a larva, to a caterpillar until it emerges from its homemade cocoon as a strong, colourful and quite beautiful butterfly.
 

Fun Facts:

1. 1. Caterpillars spend most of there life eating.
2. 2. Caterpillars are part of an amazing process called complete metamorphosis.
3. 3. Caterpillars have helped revolutionize the way some of our best machines work today.