Also known as Lepidoptera , this insect order is an economically and aesthetically important group of insects. Lepidoptera refers to the scales on the wings that give butterflies their attractive colors and most moths their camouflage. The caterpillar is the feeding stage in the life cycle. Many caterpillars are serious pests of ornamental and agricultural crops.
Many caterpillars are very hairy in appearance.
Caterpillar hairs are setae, which, although similar in appearance, are not like the hair of animals. Caterpillars probably evolved their hairy feature because it offers some protection against predators. A few caterpillars have embellished their defensive behavior by evolving sharpened and poisoned hairs. The special venomous setae are called urticating hairs, a name from the plant family that includes nettles. Caterpillars are usually conspicuously spinose so they can be more readily identified and avoided.