C is for Caterpillars

Come meet (and help name) our very own hungry caterpillars! We will be introducing the caterpillars to their new home at the library, reading a story-bet you can't guess which one, and creating a colorful caterpillar craft together. After the program look for updates about our new residents on the library's social media pages.

What is a caterpillar?

A caterpillar is the larva of a butterfly or moth. They are insects, just like their parent butterflies or moths. They have six proper legs, like all insects, but also up to five pairs of stumpy prolegs with little hooks that help them to hang onto things, and to move in a wave-like motion. They eat mostly plants. Many species have a favorite plant, such as a type of tree or grass. These are known as host plants. The butterfly or moth will lay its eggs on a host plant, so the caterpillars have a ready source of food when they hatch. To find a caterpillar look on the undersides of leaves, in the grass, and in hedges. Plants with holes gnawed in the leaves are a sure sign of caterpillar presence. Look from a distance though, because some caterpillars can cause a rash when touched!