The larval stage of a butterfly or moth that feeds on plant material before developing into an adult insect.
Caterpillars hatch from eggs and spend most of their lives feeding. Their primary job is to eat and grow before entering the pupal stage and eventually becoming butterflies or moths.
Many caterpillars feed on leaves and can quickly damage vegetables, flowers, and ornamental plants. However, not all caterpillars should be viewed as harmful. Many eventually become important pollinators, making them a valuable part of the garden ecosystem.
The challenge for gardeners is deciding when to tolerate feeding damage and when populations become large enough to require management.
Some caterpillar species can remove large amounts of foliage and reduce plant vigor, especially on young plants and food crops. At the same time, caterpillars provide food for birds and other wildlife and eventually develop into insects that contribute to pollination. Understanding this balance is an important part of integrated pest management (IPM).