Menu Close

Articles on Caterpillars

Displaying all articles

While the European spongy moth outbreak reached a dramatic peak in parts of Canada last year, these caterpillars have completely vanished this year. (Washington State Department of Agriculture/flickr)

Why the spongy moth outbreak has vanished in Québec

Creating and preserving diverse forests can help us prepare for the next insect outbreak and protect our trees.
These insects are basically little machines that convert carbon-rich leaves into nitrogen-rich poo. (John Gunn)

Very hungry caterpillars can have large effects on lake quality and carbon emissions

As environmental engineers, invasive caterpillars can have remarkable effects on water quality and soil conditions. But from a climate perspective they’re pretty much a nuisance.
Inside the pupa (or chrysalis), the caterpillar actually turns to liquid as it transforms into a butterfly or moth. Shutterstock

Curious Kids: Do butterflies remember being caterpillars?

Scientists were not sure if an adult butterfly could remember things it learned as a caterpillar. Then a study by a team of US scientists found something very interesting.

Top contributors

More