Survival Strategies of the Caterpillar
- Camouflage
Allows the Caterpillar to blend into its surrounding environment.
Example: The caterpillar of the Giant Swallowtail resembles bird droppings. The Clouded Sulfur Caterpillar is bright green so they can blend in easily with the surrounding plant's structure and change color when the plant flowers. When the Cassia tree flowers, the caterpillar turns from green to yellow. - Chemical Defenses
Poisonous to predators. Some have stinging hairs which carry a toxin.
Example: The Saddleback and Puss Caterpillars. - Appearance
Inflate their head to appear snakelike with false eyespots.
Example: Spicebush Swallowtail.
- Poisonous
Bright colors and patterns warn predators to stay away because they could be toxic.
Example: The Monarch and Queen absorb toxins from the milkweed plants they eat. - Osmeteria
Special structures of caterpillars that produce smelly chemicals to ward off predators.
Example: Giant Swallowtail.