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).