Secrets About The Types of Black Caterpillars None Of Us Knew

Derived from “catirpeller” and “catirpel”,  caterpillars belong to the insect family of Lepidoptera. The most common caterpillars are the black caterpillars with yellow and orange markings. In the initial stages, the black caterpillars are non- attractive but later transform into stunning butterflies and moths. Interesting isn’t it? Let’s find out more about them and the various types of black caterpillars. 

Identification of Black Caterpillars

The hairy and fuzzy body is the best way to identify black caterpillars. Besides the hairy and fuzzy look,  one of the most unique features of these insects are the stripes on their back that are either yellow or orange. These are some of the most stunning creatures to look at. The hair on their back are used as defence mechanism, as  it is as hard as spikes.

Different Types of  Black Caterpillars With Their Features

Caterpillars are one of the most fascinating creatures in the world. They are known for their unique features and characters, that someone of us aren’t aware off.  Wait, did you know the black caterpillars are no ordinary insects? They have their own types? Yup, it’s true. Let’s get a sneak peek into some of the various types of caterpillars.

Giant Leopard Moth Caterpillars

These Giant Leopard Caterpillars are often found in gardens snacking away on plant leaves. They are fluffy in appearance and have needle- like spikes on their back.  These caterpillars will not sting; however, their needle-like hairs can prick your skin as well. So, it may not be very pleasant for you.

These Caterpillars are found in many places in the world like Florida, Taxes, and Mexico, and US’s East Coast.

Features to Identify Giant Leopard Caterpillars

Even though they are called Giant Leopard Caterpillars, they are no more than 2 inches. One of the most unique features of these insects are the red bands that appear between the black spikes on their body, used to defend themselves.  These black spikes cover the caterpillar’s entire body, so the inner skin can hardly be seen.

Garden Tiger Moth Caterpillar

 

Garden Tiger Moth Caterpillar, otherwise known as Artica Caja is one of the most stunning insects with greyish, white or orange lines on their body. Even though the caterpillars do not sting, people can get pricked with the spikes on their back, which will lead to skin irritation. The caterpillars are known for their bright orange and black colour that appear after pupation.

Features to Identify Garden Tiger Moth Caterpillars

The fuzzy creatures can be identified with their orange spines and long spiky hairs. They are no more than 6 cms.

Woolly Bear Caterpillar

 

One of the most common kinds of caterpillars found crawling around in the garden, woolly bear caterpillar is also known as Pyrrharctia Isabella. In any dangerous situation, they curl up into a ball and do not sting. Nonetheless, if you happen to touch their back, their spikes could prick your skin and cause irritation.

Characteristics Of Woolly Bear Caterpillar

One of the main characteristics of the woolly bear caterpillar is the short and spiky tufts seen on their back. They grow upto six cms in length that mean up to 2.3.”The color of short tufts may be black or orange and covers the black furry caterpillar’s body.

Scarce Dagger Moth Caterpillar

Known as Acronicta Auricoma, the scarce dagger moth Caterpillar is one of the most stunning insects known for their tuft shades of orange or yellow found on their back. They aren’t as fuzzy as the other caterpillars and are quite similar looking to wasps and predators.

Features to Identify Scarce Dagger Moth Caterpillar

The best feature to identify the Scarce Dagger Moth Caterpillar is the shades of bright orange and yellow colours on their body.

Black Swallowtail Caterpillar

The small length caterpillars, Black swallowtail caterpillar are pulpy in size. One of the main features of these insects are the white and yellow markings on their body.

Their color protect them from other species around as they look like the dropping of birds, so it acts as a defence mechanism in their case. Interesting right? They are often seen eating carrot leaves and parsley. Did you know since they are seen eating parsley leaves, they’ve been given the name parsley worms? It’ true as they are fond of eating such leaves.

Features to Identify Black Swallowtail Caterpillar:

The best feature  of the Black Swallowtail Caterpillar is their black segmented body with yellow and white dots and spiky hair.

Walnut Caterpillar

Belonging to the black crawling insect family, the walnut caterpillars have a breathtaking white spine like spindles that cover their entire body. The fuzzy caterpillars belong to the Notodontidae family species and are known as the processionally caterpillars. Despite being hair insects, they do not cause any skin irritation. So, you can touch them with your bare hands.

Features to Identify Walnut Caterpillars

The best features of the  Walnut Caterpillars is their grayish hairs on the body that covers its black trunk.

Peacock Butterfly Caterpillar:

Agalis Lo, 1,5″, commonly known as the Peacock Butterfly Caterpillar are known for their shiny black body with white dots. These caterpillars are quite rare and unusual and look stunning under the sun. They are found in certain parts of Asia and Europe and belong to the non-stingy category of caterpillars.

Features to Identify the Peacock Butterfly Caterpillars

The white dots on their shiny black body is one of their best features of the Peacock black caterpillar.

 

Pipevine Swallowtail Caterpillar

 

Belonging to the Papilionidae family and commonly known Battus philenor, Pipeline Swallowtail caterpillars have a blend of orange and red coloured spines on their body. One of the best things about these insects is that they can cling to any object with their tongue, found behind their head, which is also used as a defence mechanism.  These insects are often found eating Pipeline plants and have a tail that is thicker than the rest of their body.

Azalea Caterpillars

 

The Azalea Caterpillars are long crawling insects with reddish brown prolegs and  a round orange colored head. These unusual species are usually found in the Kansas and East-coast region of the US. The Azalea Caterpillars are known to damage crops and plants.

Features to Identify the Azalea Caterpillars

The only way to identify these caterpillars with their small hair and orange heads.

The black caterpillars are beautiful insects that one can often stare at all day long. They have some of the most unique features like white and grey dots on their back and orange heads. Some of these caterpillars are rarely found and so, reading about them is quite fascinating. Hence, what are you waiting for? Go ahead and have the best time of your life.