CATERPILLAR

larva of a butterfly or moth (Lepidoptera). Caterpillars have cylindrical bodies consisting of 13 segments, with three pairs of legs on the thorax and several on the abdomen. The head has six eyes on each side, short antennae, and strong jaws. Many caterpillars within the Lepidoptera are called worms, such as the measuring worm, silkworm, and army worm. Caterpillar-like, or eruciform, larvae also occur in other insect groups, namely the scorpionflies (Mecoptera) and the sawflies (Hymenoptera).