FUN FACTS ABOUT CATERPILLAR

Some caterpillars have the ability to change color to match their surroundings, making them difficult to spot. Some species of caterpillars can roll themselves into a tight ball for protection when threatened. Some caterpillars have venomous stinging hairs, which they use as a defense mechanism against predators. Caterpillars are voracious eaters and can consume up to 27,000 times their own body weight in food during their larval stage. Some species of caterpillars have symbiotic relationships with ants, who will protect them from predators in exchange for a sugary secretion that the caterpillars produce. Some moths and butterflies species have mimicry, some caterpillars look like bird droppings or twigs in order to avoid predators. Not all caterpillars turn into butterflies or moths, some turn into cecropia, Io, and Promethea moths. Some species of caterpillars have the ability to regenerate lost body parts, such as legs or antennae. Some species of caterpillars are cannibalistic and will eat other caterpillars if food is scarce. The largest species of caterpillar is the Atlas Moth caterpillar, which can grow up to 11 inches in length.