All of the larval body is soft except for the head and the claws. Three pair of short, jointed legs with a single claw at the tip are located on the three thoracic segments immediately behind the head. Most larvae of butterflies and moths eat plants. Many species are very selective about what they will eat and may feed on only one species of plant in their lifetime. Adults usually feed on the nectar of flowers, but some do not feed at all.
Some larvae feed on fabric or stored grains.
Habitat Lepidoptera larvae are usually found on their food plant, but may be well hidden. They can often be found by looking for damaged leaves. Frass may be visible around the base of the plant or under a tree. Pre-pupal larvae often wander off of the food plant in search of a good place to pupate. Predators Many birds and some insects eat lepidopteran larvae.