A caterpillar is the larval stage of a butterfly or moth. Here's a breakdown:
* What is it? A caterpillar is a soft-bodied, segmented insect with a head, three pairs of true legs, and several pairs of prolegs (fleshy, unjointed legs). They are often brightly colored and have patterns.
* What does it do? The primary purpose of a caterpillar is to eat and grow. They spend most of their time consuming leaves and other plant matter.
* How does it transform? Once a caterpillar has reached its full size, it forms a chrysalis (butterflies) or cocoon (moths). Inside, it undergoes metamorphosis, transforming into a winged adult insect.
In short, a caterpillar is a fascinating creature that represents a key stage in the life cycle of butterflies and moths.