How to Identify a Lilac and Black Caterpillar

Examining and identifying caterpillars is a creative way to explore the beauty of nature. According to Enchanted Learning, over the course of approximately one month when larva turn into caterpillars, they manipulate in physical form in excess of 30,000 times. Caterpillars produce silk and have long extended bodies with antenna and hundreds of microscopic legs. Many different insects, including purple beetles and Emperor butterlies, are colored in tones of lilac and black. Caterpillars can be identified if you look closely and have a good reference.

Things You'll Need

  • Magnifying glass
  • Camera
  • Insect books
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Instructions

    • 1

      Look at a caterpillar's body -- the thorax and abdomen -- through a magnifying glass. Examine the colors of the skin. Lilac and black colored caterpillars, such as the one that turns into the purple beetle, include a blend of these colors on the skin. The abdomen of the caterpillar is flexible and linear --- as opposed to the round and rigid abdomen of the beetle. The brilliant tone of the lilac also indicates the caterpillar could be poisonous.

    • 2

      Examine the skin pattern of the caterpillar. Lilac and black caterpillar skin may be striped, spotted or oddly blended. Patterns on the caterpillar are a natural camouflage for it to remain hidden from predators. Patterns span the entire length of the caterpillar. The camouflage of the caterpillar is blends with the pattern of the plants and surroundings of the caterpillar.

    • 3

      Examine the eye spots. Lilac and black caterpillars may have eye spots on the left and right sides of its rear end. These are not actual eyes. The spots ward off potential prey by acting as a natural deterrent to predators and may be lilac or a different color. The caterpillars' actual six eyes blend in with the darker skin tone to go undetected and are clumped together at the front of the left or right side of the head.

    • 4

      Photograph the caterpillar so you do not disturb it in its natural habitat. Take the photgraph to a local college or university biology or etomology department and use the guidance of staff and students to examine the caterpillar further.

    • 5

      Visit a library and check out books on etemology, insect physiology and insect morphology. Compare the photograph to examples of caterpillars in the books to identify the species.