Parts of a Caterpillar Insect

Caterpillars' bodies are designed to eat and grow. Their lifespan is typically two to four weeks. A caterpillar's body is divided into three main sections: the head, the abdomen and the thorax.

Head

The caterpillar has sharp jaws (mandibles) that help it chop vegetation. The caterpillar can smell with its antennae, and below its lower jaw are maxillae, which help determine when to eat and what food is safe.

Spinneret

A spinneret, located on the caterpillar's lower lip, produces silk for cocoons.

Thorax

The thorax is positioned between the caterpillar's head and abdomen. When the caterpillar turns into a butterfly, the wings protrude from the thorax.

Thoracic Legs

The thoracic legs are jointed legs that extend from the thorax. They are designed so that the caterpillar can latch on to food.

Abdomen

The abdomen starts in the middle of the caterpillar's body and extends toward the rear. The abdomen houses most of the essential organs as well as the caterpillar's heart.

Prolegs

The prolegs of the caterpillar are attached to the abdomen and aid the caterpillar in moving and climbing. The very back legs, called anal prolegs, usually vanish when the caterpillar reaches maturity.

References

• Caterpillar Anatomy
• Label the Caterpillar Diagram
• Banded Wooly Bear Caterpillar