Black and yellow caterpillars are the larvae of butterflies or moths. Black and yellow caterpillars can be large or small crawling insects, and some may have furry bodies. Depending on the moth or butterfly species, the caterpillar could be black with yellow stripes or markings. Or some other caterpillars can be yellow with fuzzy bodies and black spines or horns. One thing in common with all black and yellow caterpillars is that they turn into spectacular winged insects.

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.

Yellow caterpillars are larvae that turn to stunning moths or butterflies. Some types of yellow caterpillars are fuzzy-looking and others have smooth segmented bodies typical of many species of caterpillars. Sometimes, yellow fuzzy caterpillars can be poisonous. Although they are not toxic enough to kill you, touching them can cause skin irritation.

The tomato hornworm is a large green caterpillar with a horn-like tail that does tremendous damage to tomato plants. The hornworms have distinctive creamy-white V-shaped markings along their sides. However, the destructive caterpillars can be challenging to spot on tomato plants because their green color blends in with tomato foliage.

Green caterpillars are some of the most commonly recognizable crawling insects in the wild. All types of caterpillars, including green ones, gorge on a diet of plant and tree leaves. Some of the largest and fattest insects in the Lepidoptera order are green caterpillars. Green caterpillars are identified by their size, specific markings, spines or spikes, and plant food they feed on.

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 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. 

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). 

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 several species of caterpillars that come in all shapes and sizes. Common types of caterpillars in Texas include stinging, horned, smooth-bodied, furry, and spiky caterpillars. The worm-like caterpillars are typically green, black, or yellow. It’s also possible to identify Texas caterpillars by particular markings on their body segments.