Caterpillars come in many shapes, sizes, colors, and types. Some types of caterpillars have soft smooth colorful bodies that can be green, black, orange, or white. Some of these caterpillars may have stripped bodies or have interesting camouflage markings. Other kinds of caterpillars have furry bodies, spiky bodies, or horns on their bodies or heads. A caterpillar identification chart can help you identify the different types of caterpillars.

Caterpillars are larvae in the class Insecta that turn into beautiful moths or butterflies. Striped caterpillars are some of the most striking caterpillars you will find in your garden or in the wild. Different species of caterpillars with stripes can be identified by their vibrant colors, hairiness, number of spines, or size. Some of the most interesting striped caterpillars have black, white, and yellow stripes and long horns.

Caterpillars that turn into butterflies are colorful worm-like crawling insects in all shapes and sizes. Butterfly caterpillars typically have a smooth body, and some exotic-looking caterpillars may have a spiny appearance. In addition, butterfly larvae or caterpillars can be green, brown, black or yellow and have identifiable stripes, patterns, and other recognizable features. 

Venomous caterpillars have poisonous bristles, spines, and barbs on their body that can cause a nasty sting. Some types of venomous caterpillars look soft and cute, but their hairy bodies hide toxin-filled spines that can lodge into the skin. Other caterpillars with poisonous spines look dangerous because they have bright coloring, sharp-looking spines, and a menacing appearance.

Caterpillars are a common sight in Arizona. Native Arizona caterpillars are typically large, worm-like creatures with cylindrical bodies. Common caterpillars in Arizona can be black and yellow with stripes, fat green larvae with dots or unusual markings, black spiky crawling insects, or black and orange furry caterpillars. Arizona also has types of stinging caterpillars, like the southern flannel moth caterpillar and the crowned slug moth caterpillar. 

Texas is home to a variety of caterpillars in different shapes and sizes. These include stinging, horned, smooth-bodied, furry, and spiky types. The worm-like caterpillars often appear in green, black, or yellow hues. Additionally, specific markings on their body segments can aid in the identification of caterpillars in Texas.

Black and brown caterpillars are the worm-like larvae of moths and butterflies. The most common black and brown caterpillar is the furry banded woolly bear. This hairy crawling insect is covered in black hairy tufts with a bronze-brown band in the middle. Other types of brown and black caterpillars can have smooth bodies, spiny clumps, mottled patterns, or stinging setae (hairs). 

Hairy caterpillars may look cute and fluffy, but many species of these furry worm-like creatures have stinging spines. Species of caterpillars covered in hairs come in all shapes and sizes. For example, there are fuzzy white caterpillars with long pencil setae. Other hairy caterpillars may be covered in tufts of dense hairs giving the worms a furry appearance. Different types of hairy caterpillars may look like black and brown woolly tubes.

A moth caterpillar refers to the larval stage of a moth, which is the stage before it undergoes metamorphosis to become an adult moth. Moth caterpillars come in various shapes, sizes, and colors, and they feed on a wide range of plant materials depending on the specific species. During this stage, they primarily focus on consuming food to fuel their growth and development before they enter the pupal stage and eventually emerge as adult moths.

Florida is home to many types of caterpillars. Among Florida’s exotic and strange-looking caterpillars are fuzzy, striped, and unusual-looking horned caterpillars. In addition, several varieties of stinging caterpillars in the Sunshine State can give you a nasty sting if you handle them. Identifying caterpillars in Florida can help to know which species of caterpillars are poisonous and which are harmless.