How to Identify Butterfly Larvae Caterpillars

Use a field guide to help you identify a good time of the year to search for caterpillars in your area. The guide will help you with suggestions about where to find caterpillars. Some caterpillars prefer different types of shrubs and trees. The field guidebook can also help you identify caterpillars at the spot where you found it. However, only a small proportion of caterpillars are illustrated.

Try to describe the caterpillar. Look at the color of the body, hair distribution and other distinctive features such as horns or bristles. Look to see if the caterpillar has bumps. Does the body have stripes, spots or bands? Some caterpillars are slug like and it is not possible to see the legs.

Identify distinctive features of the place where you found the caterpillar. Try to identify the shrub, tree or leaf. Many caterpillars try to resemble the plants on which they feed. Was it easy to spot the caterpillar? Or did it blend into the background?

Take a photo of a caterpillar that you have found. This will help you to identify it. Avoid touching caterpillars and, if it is necessary to move the caterpillar, use a stick or leaf.

Use resources on the Internet. Discover Life's online site has a caterpillar identification page where you check different boxes, and possible matches are suggested. The body main color, pattern, hair density and distinctive features can be used to identify caterpillars. It is also possible to select the range of the caterpillar.