Caterpillars Video (MV)

Caterpillars are the second of a four stage cycle of a moth or butterfly
They will become a pupa or chrysalis after a couple of weeks of life
It's moth caterpillars that make cocoons
Using liquid silk from glands, they drool it through
An opening in their lip, called a spinneret
When it makes contact with the air it hardens into a thread
Which they then wrap around themselves keeping them safe
While butterfly caterpillars develop a hard outer case
During this process called metamorphosis they digest themselves, releasing enzymes
They break down into goo while imaginal discs develop into features for adult life
As they grow quickly they need to shed their skin
Some will grow hair and bristles or change colouring
Their primary function is to eat and get fat
For metamorphosis, most species have a favourite plant
Some even eat other insects or small animals
They bite and chew with two tooth-like mouth parts called mandibles
As a a defence they can release foul smelling chemicals
And produce various noises and vibratory signals
Some eat toxic plants as they are able to sequester
Poisonous compounds in tissue such as the monarch caterpillar