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The caterpillar is another name for the larvae stage of butterflies and moths. During this stage most caterpillars can be seen as an agricultural annoyance. Being as they are insatiable eaters, they can cause significant economic damage. Most caterpillars are vegetarian and possess strong jaws for chewing. As the caterpillar evolves into an adult the chewing parts disappear. Caterpillars produce a silk strand as they move along slowly. This strand can be used for building a cocoon or dropping from a height. All caterpillars vary in size, shape and, color. All caterpillars maintain certain defense mechanisms. Some examples of these defenses include intimidating coloring, spiny appendages which produce irritating substance, and some even produce a poison when digested.

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