Butterflies and Moths

31

Do not disturb

When disturbed, these

caterpillars flick their

bodies into the air. If they

all do it together and quickly,

it surprises birds and lizards.

Tail

Eye-spots

Poisonous, spiky

horns keep

enemies away.

Fierce face

When danger threatens, the

puss moth caterpillar flashes

the bright red markings on its

face and swings its tail in the air.

Looping along

These caterpillars are

called loopers because

of the way they move.

They hold on with their

back legs and move the

front end as far away as

possible. Then they bring

the rear end up to the front

so that it forms a loop.

Look for loopers on twigs

and leaves in the spring.

Be careful—

this caterpillar

can spit acid in

an enemy’s face.

US_030_031_Clever_caterpillars.indd 31 11/10/17 5:34 pm