Parts of a Caterpillar Insect

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.