Tiny garden neighbours
Caterpillar
A hungry eater on its way to becoming something new.
Caterpillars are the young stage of butterflies and moths. They spend most of their time eating leaves.
This friend is very quiet, so you're hearing the place where it lives.
Interesting facts
- Caterpillars grow by shedding their skin several times.
- Most caterpillars only eat certain kinds of plants.
- After growing, a caterpillar forms a pupa and changes into a butterfly or moth.
- Some caterpillars have hairs or spines that can hurt skin.
Where it lives
On the leaves of the plants they eat.
It might be…
- Eating a leaf
- Resting along a stem
- Hiding under a leaf
Why it matters
Caterpillars become pollinators, and they are important food for birds raising chicks.
Being a good friend
- Look without touching — some caterpillars can sting or cause itching.
- Look for holes in leaves as clues.
- Notice its colours and patterns.
Please don't
- Don't touch, hold or pick it up.
- Don't chase it or block its path.
- Don't take it home — its home is outside.
- Never touch a hairy or spiky caterpillar.
Mission
Leaf Clue Hunt
Look for leaves with nibbled edges or holes.