A caterpillar is a larva of a butterfly, moth or moth - insects from the Lepidoptera order.

Caterpillar - description, characteristics, structure and photo. What does a caterpillar look like?

torso

The length of the caterpillar, in accordance with the variety, varies from a few millimeters to 12 cm, as in individual specimens of the Saturnia butterfly (peacock-eye).

The body of the caterpillar consists of a well-defined head, thoracic, abdominal sections and several pairs of limbs located on the chest and abdomen.

Head

The head of the caterpillar is represented by six fused segments that form a rigid capsule. Between the forehead and the eyes, the cheek area is conditionally distinguished, at the bottom of the head there is an occipital foramen, which looks like a heart.

The round head shape is typical for most caterpillars, although there are exceptions. For example, many have a triangle-shaped head, while other species have a rectangular-shaped head.

The parietal parts can strongly protrude above the head, forming a kind of “horns”. Small antennae, consisting of 3 consecutive joints, grow on the sides of the head.

oral apparatus

All caterpillars are distinguished by a gnawing type of mouth apparatus. The upper jaws of the insect are well formed: their upper edge contains denticles designed for nibbling or tearing food. Inside there are tubercles that perform the function of chewing food. The salivary glands are transformed into specific spinning (silk-releasing) glands.

Eyes

The eyes of caterpillars are a primitive visual apparatus containing a single lens. Usually several simple eyes are located one after another, in an arc, or they form 1 compound eye, fused from 5 simple ones. Plus 1 eye is located inside this arc. Thus, in total, caterpillars have 5-6 pairs of eyes.

torso

The body of the caterpillar consists of segments separated by grooves and is dressed in a soft shell, which provides the body with maximum mobility. The anus is surrounded by special lobes with varying degrees of development.

The respiratory organ of insects, the spiracle, is a stigma located on the chest. Only in species living in water, spiracles are replaced by tracheal gills.

Most caterpillars have 3 pairs of thoracic limbs and 5 pairs of false ventral legs. The ventral limbs end in small hooks. On each thoracic limb there is a sole with a claw, which the caterpillar retracts or protrudes when moving.

Paws of the caterpillar

Absolutely naked caterpillars do not exist: the body of each is covered with various formations - outgrowths, hairs or a well-grown cuticle. Cuticle growths are star-shaped, spikes or granules that look like small hairs or bristles. Moreover, the bristles grow in a strictly defined way, characteristic of a particular family, genus, and even species.

Outgrowths consist of relief skin formations-tubercles, similar to flat, round or oval warts and spines. Caterpillar hairs are represented by thin individual threads or bundles.

Caterpillar development

Depending on the species, the caterpillar can develop from several weeks to several years. Caterpillars of northern species of butterflies do not have time to complete their development cycle in one season, so they hibernate (diapause) until next summer.

For example, a butterfly butterfly living in the Arctic Circle can stay in the caterpillar stage up to 12-14 years.

Throughout its development cycle, the caterpillar undergoes not only significant age-related changes in the size and color of the body, but also striking metamorphoses.

For example, the transformation of an almost naked caterpillar into a furry one or vice versa.

At the end of the development cycle, the caterpillar turns into a chrysalis, from which a butterfly then emerges.

caterpillars molt

Each caterpillar molts several times over the entire period of existence. Miner caterpillars are subject to the least number of molts (2 times). The standard number of molts is 4, although some species molt 5 or 7 times. Unfavorable environmental conditions cause a sharp increase in the number of molts, for example, a clothes moth caterpillar can molt from 4 to 40 times. It has also been observed that females shed more than males.

The caterpillar secretes sweet nectar which the ant drinks.

Types of caterpillars - photos and names

Among the great variety of different caterpillars, the following varieties are of greatest interest:

• cabbage caterpillar or cabbage butterfly caterpillar (cabbage white) (Pieris brassicae)

lives throughout Eastern Europe, northern Africa to the Japanese islands, and also introduced to South America. The caterpillar is 3.5 cm long, has 16 legs and is distinguished by a light green body covered with black warts and short black hairs. Depending on the weather, the caterpillar stage lasts from 13 to 38 days. These caterpillars feed on cabbage, horseradish, radish, turnip, turnip, and shepherd's purse. They are considered the main pest of cabbage.

• Caterpillar moth (surveyors) (Geometridae)

characterized by a long thin body and undeveloped abdominal legs, due to which it differs in an original way of movement - it bends in a loop, while pulling the abdominal legs to the chest ones. The family unites more than 23 thousand species of moths distributed throughout the world. All types of caterpillars of this family have well-developed muscles, therefore they are able to strengthen themselves vertically on plants, perfectly imitating broken branches and petioles. The color of the caterpillars is similar to the color of the foliage or bark, which is additionally an excellent camouflage. They eat tree needles and hazel.

• (Cerura vinula = Dicranura vinula)

lives throughout Europe, Central Asia and northern Africa. Adult caterpillars grow up to 6 cm and are distinguished by a green body with a purple rhombus on the back, bordered by a white outline. In case of danger, the caterpillar inflates, assumes a threatening posture and sprays out a caustic substance. In the caterpillar stage, the insect stays from the beginning of summer to September, feeds on the leaves of plants from the willow and poplar families, including common aspen.

• Redtail Caterpillar (Calliteara pudibunda)

found in the forest-steppe zone throughout Eurasia, as well as in Asia Minor and Central Asia. The caterpillar up to 5 cm long is pinkish, brown or gray. The body is densely covered with individual hairs or tufts of hairs, at the end there is a tail of protruding crimson hairs. This is a poisonous caterpillar: when in contact with human skin, it causes a painful allergy. These caterpillars eat the foliage of various trees and shrubs, especially preferring hops.

• Silkworm caterpillar(bombyx mori) or silkworm

Lives in East Asia: in the north of China and in Russia, in the southern regions of Primorye. The length of the caterpillar is 6-7 cm, its wavy body is densely covered with blue and brown hairy warts. After 4 molts, completing the 32-day development cycle, the color of the caterpillar turns yellow. The food of the silkworm caterpillar is exclusively mulberry leaves. This insect has been actively used in sericulture since the 27th century BC. e.

• Corrosive tree caterpillar(Zeuzera pyrina)

from the woodworm family. It is found on the territory of all European countries, except for the Far North, as well as in South Africa, Southeast Asia and North America. Winters twice, during which time it changes color from yellow-pink to yellow-orange with black, glossy warts. The length of the insect is 5-6 cm. Caterpillars live inside the branches and trunks of various trees, feeding on their juices.

• Swallowtail caterpillar(papilio machaon)

lives throughout Europe, Asia, northern Africa and North America. One of the most colorful caterpillars: at first black, with scarlet warts, and as it grows, it becomes green with black transverse stripes. Each strip contains 6-8 red-orange spots. A disturbed caterpillar secretes an odorous orange-yellow liquid. It feeds on celery, wormwood, parsley, and sometimes alder leaves.

The smallest caterpillar in the world is a member of the moth family.

For example, clothes moth caterpillars ( Tineola bisselliella), just emerging from the egg, reach a length of only 1 mm.

The biggest caterpillar in the world- this is the caterpillar of the peacock-eye atlas ( Attacus atlas).

The bluish-green caterpillar, as if powdered with white dust, grows up to 12 cm in length.

Today we will continue this topic and talk about the most dangerous caterpillars that can be found in R.F.

I hasten to reassure a little right away, in our country there are no deadly poisonous caterpillars, well, such, for example, as Lonomia obliqua, and death from their poison does not threaten us. However, we also have caterpillars in our homeland that should be treated with at least caution! After all, their hairs saturated with poison can bring quite a few troubles!

The video version of the article can be seen here (continuation of the text below):

PINE TRAVELING SILKMOTH

Pine marching silkworm (Thaumetopoea pinivora)- earned his name thanks to his love of collective travel, and he also loves pine needles, which he feeds on! In June, the silkworm moves mainly along pine branches and needles, huddling together when it gets colder, but towards the end of July - the beginning of August, it goes on a trip. Lined up with relatives in long rows, literally marching on earth, asphalt and other surfaces to get to a suitable, sandy place. They then pupate by burrowing into the sand.

Looking at the way of life of the marching pine silkworm, it becomes clear that you can most likely meet it in young pines, with more or less sandy soil. As the caterpillars grow older, they become more dangerous, and the outfit of the caterpillars also changes. Hairs from a small fluff develop into a magnificent outfit, which, however, a completely mature caterpillar, as it were, grinds with special recesses in the body. As a result, dust is formed from the hairs, causing itching and burning when it comes into contact with the skin and mucous membranes of a person! It’s not something to touch here, next to such caterpillars and being nearby is not recommended !!! An allergic reaction from flying hairs invisible to the eye can manifest itself in different ways in different people! Usually, inflammatory processes are observed on the attacked areas of the skin, it is covered with red bubbles that itch irresistibly! When it hits the face, most often the picture is supplemented by swelling, eyes can swim and close. The inflammatory processes themselves can proceed for several weeks! If you are still unlucky and you develop an allergic reaction, you should immediately consult a doctor!

Pine silkworm caterpillar

SILKMOTH OAK TRAVELING

Silkworm marching oak (T. processionea)- a relative of the above-described comrade, just as dangerous, somewhat different in appearance and lifestyle (feeds on oak leaves)!

Caterpillar of the marching oak silkworm

Goldentail

Caterpillar Goldentails (Euproctis chrysorrhoea)(goldfish or golden silkworm) also has venomous hairs! Distributed throughout almost all of Europe, including Russia. He loves orchards and parks, where he is most often found! It is dangerous because, if touched, it can cause a variety of inflammatory processes, rashes or scars on the skin. Breathing problems are also possible, and if hairs get into the eyes, conjunctivitis can occur.

Goldentail Caterpillar

REDTAIL

Redtail (Calliteara pudibunda) or whatever it is calledWoolpaw bashful, may have a different color of "fur" (lemon, pink, brown, gray) but it always has a constant reddish tail in the back. The caterpillar is not capable of causing any serious damage, however, you still shouldn’t touch it with your hands, unless, of course, you want to get an allergic reaction in the form of a rash! Prefers oak forests, found throughout Eurasia, except for the far north.

Redtail caterpillar

© SURVIVE.RU

Post Views: 15 340

Ecology

The appearance of most insects on Earth may seem scary or unpleasant to people.

But on our planet there are such insects that can hardly be called scary. On the contrary, they are quite cute.

Despite the fact that outwardly they look completely harmless, some of them can be poisonous.

Here are just a few of the cute insects.

Insects: butterflies

1. Silkworm

Undoubtedly, the butterfly is beautiful, but the caterpillar from which it turns into a butterfly is even cuter.

During development it goes through several color stages - at first it is brown with white spots, then it develops a brilliant green color, and eventually it becomes orange-red.

3. Japanese emperor butterfly caterpillar (Sasakia charonda)

In addition to the fact that the caterpillar of this ancient butterfly from the Nymphalidae family has a “:3” emoticon on its face, at the end of its development it turns into a Sasakia charonda butterfly, which is considered the national butterfly of Japan (imperial butterfly).

4. Caterpillars of the Chinese butterfly Bicyclus anynana

Due to the fact that the caterpillars of this butterfly look like a cat, they are quite popular in Japan. When they grow up, they turn into rather boring brown butterflies.

Insects: beetles

5. Coleoptera (Beetle Tetraopes tetrophthalmus)

This beetle has a bright red coloration that signals to predators that it is venomous. The poison is the result of the beetles eating milkweed leaves.

7. Fan beetle

These Australian beetles have been little studied. But you can see how it differs from other beetles - it has a luxurious fan-shaped mustache, which is similar to a wide toothed comb.

insect eyes

8 Jumping Spiders

The hairy caterpillar is characterized by the presence of numerous villi of different lengths throughout the body or in its individual sections. with an exotic appearance are more common in countries with a warm climate, in the tropical zone. They have a variety of colors, differ in lifestyle, nutrition. Upon completion of their development, they pupate, a butterfly is born, which in color can differ significantly from the larva.

Nutrition

Hairy in most cases, plant foods - juices of fruits, plants, nectar. However, among them there are predators that eat their own kind - weakened, sick larvae, butterflies, other small insects, aphids.

• Polyphages are absolutely illegible in food, they eat almost all vegetation. They lead a predominantly nocturnal lifestyle.
• Oligophages eat plants of a certain species, genus. So the swallowtail butterfly caterpillar feeds exclusively on umbrellas.
• Monophages live and eat one plant. With a strong infection of a particular shrub, other plant species adjacent to it remain completely safe.
• Xylophages eat nothing but wood. This group of caterpillars is always distinguished by a large number of individuals in one brood.

The transitional form is hairy creatures that eat tinder fungi, lichens. A separate group includes keratophages that feed on elements of animal origin - horny cover, wool, skin, hair.

The hairy caterpillar butterfly is an ancient inhabitant of our planet, whose roots go back to the time of the existence of dinosaurs. There is a huge variety of larvae in the world, characterized by an unusual appearance, the presence of hairs on the body of different lengths. A photo of a hairy caterpillar is presented below.

On a note!

A fluffy caterpillar may look attractive enough, but you should not touch it for the sake of curiosity. In most cases, which, when it comes into contact with the skin, in the wound, causes serious irritation of the skin, deterioration in general well-being - headache, chills, nausea, dizziness, etc.

Appearance of hairy baby butterflies

Photos and names of fluffy caterpillars are presented below. The variety of butterflies and their larvae, colors, and appearance are surprising.

• Yoke. Outwardly, it resembles a miniature, harmless, fluffy or hairy animal. However, under an attractive woolen cover, thorns with a rather strong poison are hidden. Within 5 minutes after touching a strange creature, a throbbing pain in the armpit appears. This is followed by general malaise, signs of intoxication of varying severity. The place of touch from a hairy baby butterfly is covered with red spots, a rash.
• Walking silkworm. . Hairy creatures settle in numerous colonies in a large silk nest. Butterflies lay eggs in large numbers. They feed on the juices of needles, move together in a colony, following one after another. The whole body is covered with hairs, poison is contained inside. Touch for a person ends with irritation of the skin, there may be signs of intoxication.
• Hairy caterpillar hiding in a bag. The name of the black furry caterpillar characterizes its way of life. During the day, the larvae massively hide in a special silk bag, which they form for themselves. At night, they move in groups in search of food. They resemble outwardly and in their way of life the larvae of the marching silkworm, but are more dangerous for humans. The large hairy caterpillar contains an anticoagulant poison that prevents blood from clotting and can cause internal bleeding. Butterfly is absolutely safe.
• cross. The black and orange hairy larva is dangerous due to the consumption of large amounts of the juice of a poisonous plant - the ragwort. In the countries of North America, butterflies and their offspring are used to destroy a harmful plant on the site. The hairy caterpillar is dangerous for cattle and horses. From its presence on the body, the animal can die. A person brings a temporary deterioration in health.
• Witch moth. Brown, shaggy, unusual shape. More like a flower with petals. It lives in orchards, feeds on the juices of plants and vegetables. It does not pose a particular danger to a person, but after touching, a rash, redness, and itching are observed.
• Volnyanka. The shaggy black and red caterpillar has a red head. The body is black, on the sides there are red stripes with spikes. The red color of the head warns of the danger of a small creature. The pest lives on trees, eating the bark. With a large number of larvae, the plant risks dying. You should not remove the caterpillar from the tree with your hands, the larva stings unpleasantly, causes an allergic reaction on the skin, and general malaise.
• Saddle. Red caterpillar with a light green pattern. Outwardly, it resembles a dog in bright clothes. Muzzle, tail, back. The light green pattern on the body looks like a saddle. That's where the name comes from. An attractive hairy creature is dangerous to human health. On the fleshy horns on both sides of the body are spikes with poison.

The furry caterpillar passes

Many of them are ready to do anything to protect themselves and their food from predators.

Them brightness most often indicates toxicity, and the hairs and spines contain a toxic cocktail.

Here are a few beautiful but dangerous caterpillars from which it is best to stay away.

Caterpillars (photo)

1. Coquette caterpillar (Megalopyge opercularis)

Caterpillar-coquette looks like? like a miniature furry animal. However, as soon as you touch it, an unpleasant surprise awaits you.

Poisonous spikes hidden under her "fur" release poison, causing intense throbbing pain. , which can give into the armpit,five minutes after contact with the caterpillar. Red erymatous spots may appear at the site of contact. Other symptoms include: headache, nausea, vomiting, abdominal discomfort, lymph node involvement, sometimes shock or shortness of breath.

The pain usually subsides after an hour, and the spots disappear after a few days. However, if a large amount of poison is ingested, the symptoms can last up to 5 days.

2. Saddle caterpillar (Sibine stimulea)

The saddle caterpillar attracts attention with its bright coloration, and believe me, you better stay away from it. Its fleshy horns are covered with hairs that secrete poison.

Touching them will cause bee sting-like pain, swelling, nausea, and rash which will last for several days.

Types of caterpillars

3. Caterpillar "burning rose" (Parasa indetermina)

The caterpillar "burning rose" reaches a length of only 2.5 cm and is distinguished by bright colors. But besides her yellow and red spots, her prickly tubercles protruding from different sides attract the most attention.

The tips on these bumps, as you might guess, release poison. If you touch one of them, the ends will break off and you will have skin irritation.

4. Spiny oak slug caterpillar ( Euclea delphinii)

This caterpillar is not as dangerous to humans, although touching it will still lead to rashes. This is due to the spiny tubercles located on the back and sides.

As a rule, these caterpillars live on oaks, willows, as well as beech, cherry, maple and other deciduous trees.

5. Caterpillar of the cross bear (Tyria jacobaeae)

Some caterpillars acquire toxicity through the plants they eat. And this also applies to the caterpillars of the bear cross, which feed on the poisonous crosswort.

They eat so much of this plant that in New Zealand, Australia and North America they are used to control the growth of the ragwort. This plant is deadly to cattle and horses, and poses a health hazard to humans.

If you are susceptible to caterpillar hairs, touching them may cause urticaria, atopic bronchial asthma, renal failure and cerebral hemorrhage.

Caterpillars crawl (video)

6. Caterpillars of the marching silkworm (Thaumetopoea pityocampa)

Caterpillars of the marching silkworm live in groups in large silk nests high in the pines.

They follow each other from the nest to the pine needles in search of food. And as you may have guessed, contact with them is dangerous. They are covered with thousands of tiny harpoon-shaped hairs that cause severe skin irritation when touched.

7. Caterpillar "hiding in a bag" (Ochrogaster lunifer)

Just like the caterpillars of the marching silkworm, these representatives live in groups in a silk bag, getting out at night and following each other in search of food. However, the danger from them is greater.

In South America, they pose a threat to health. The poison that is in their bristles is powerful anticoagulant. This means that if you inadvertently touch them, you risk bleeding from a small cut or internal bleeding.

8. Caterpillar Saturnia io (Automeris io)

This caterpillar lives in Canada and the USA, and although it looks like a charming baby with green spiked pom-poms, remember that they are only to be admired.

As tiny as their thorns may seem, the poison they contain can cause painful itching and even dermatitis.

9. Witch moth caterpillar (Phobetron pithecium)

If it seemed to you that the coquette caterpillar looked rather unusual, admire this furry creature. The "witch moth" caterpillar, also called the "slug monkey", is often found in orchards.

People have varying susceptibility to these caterpillars, and in some people they cause unpleasant symptoms, including itching and rash.

10. Hickory Bear Caterpillar (Lophocampa caryae)

It seems as if these caterpillars are dressed in winter fur coats. Most of the hairs that cover their body are fairly harmless, however they do have four long black hairs on the front and back that should be avoided.

Touching them leads to rashes and more serious health problems, in case of hair getting into the eyes. In addition, they are also bite.

poisonous caterpillars

11. Lazy Clown Caterpillar (Lonomia obliqua)

This caterpillar of the peacock-eye butterfly can safely be called a killer caterpillar. Her thorns are filled with coagulant poison - anticoagulant which can lead to the death of a person.

Light touching of these caterpillars can lead to headaches, fever, vomiting, and if left untreated, internal bleeding, renal failure and hemolysis.

Their venom is so powerful that scientists are studying it in hopes of developing a drug that prevents blood clots.

12. White cedar moth caterpillar (leptocneria reducta)

This caterpillar already inspires fear with its appearance. The hairs of this tiny crawling "cactus" can cause an allergic itching reaction in some people.

In addition, the caterpillars themselves live in large groups, crawling on the tree at the same time, and eating every single leaf before moving on.

13. Caterpillar Saturnia Maya ( Hemileuca maia)

One look at this caterpillar should discourage you from touching it. It is covered with hollow spines attached to a poison sac, and touching it will not only cause itching and burning, but also lead to nausea.

They live mainly on oaks and willows from spring to mid-summer.

14. Volnyanka caterpillar ( Orgyia leucostigma)

This caterpillar is easy to spot because of the red head, black back and yellow stripes on the sides. Except that this caterpillar stings unpleasantly, it is considered a pest of trees, eating everything woody in its path.

But try to remove it from the power source, and you will not be in trouble.

15. Carnivorous caterpillars

While these caterpillars won't kill you, they do eat other insects, which is pretty unusual for a typical vegetarian caterpillar menu.

And remember, if the caterpillar has thorns or hairs, it is better not to touch it, as most likely it can be poisonous!