

It is safe to handle these caterpillars as they don’t bite, aren’t poisonous, and don’t have stinging spines. Monarchs are a medium-sized species of caterpillar that can grow up to 2” (5 cm) long. These are the stumpy ‘feet’ on the middle segments of the caterpillar’s body. These are completely harmless and won’t sting you.Īnother identifying feature of the Monarch caterpillar is the white dots on its prolegs. As the striped caterpillar matures, a pair of horns grow at either end of its body.

The Monarch caterpillar has black, white, and yellow bands wrapping around its segments. This crawling insect feeds on milkweed as it goes through its growth stages.Īlso called the ‘Common Tiger,’ ‘Wanderer,’ or ‘Milkweed’ caterpillar, this caterpillar species turns into one of the most beautiful and iconic butterflies, the Monarch. The Monarch caterpillar ( Danaus plexippus) is a striped caterpillar in the family Nymphalidae and genus Danaus. The Monarch caterpillar is yellow, white, and black striped caterpillar You will also find out which type of moth or butterfly these worm-like caterpillars turn into. Identifying the caterpillar characteristics will help to tell them apart. Let’s look in more detail as some of the most fascinating types of striped caterpillars. Types of Striped Caterpillars (With Pictures and Names) – Identification Guide The descriptions and identifying features of striped caterpillars here are of mature larvae before they enter the pupation state. It is important to remember that immature caterpillars may look completely different from mature larvae. You should also note the specific colors of their stripes, spots or ‘horns’. In order to identify striped caterpillars, it’s important to note their color, type of hairy covering, and specific markings. Some fierce-looking spiky caterpillars can be black with orange stripes and dots. Others can be black or green with white or yellow bands. Some striped caterpillars are green with black and yellow stripes. As the larvae mature, they go through a number of growth stages.ĭepending on the caterpillar genus, they can also be classed as furry caterpillars and come in a range of colors. They have a voracious appetite as they eat their way through plant and tree leaves. Caterpillars start their life as eggs before turning into larvae. Striped caterpillars, just like all caterpillars, are a type of insect belonging to the order Lepidoptera. Some of the most interesting striped caterpillars have black, white, and yellow stripes and long horns. Different species of caterpillars with stripes can be identified by their vibrant colors, hairiness, number of spines, or size. Striped caterpillars are some of the most striking caterpillars you will find in your garden or in the wild. Share on Email Share on Pinterest Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Share on LinkedInĬaterpillars are larvae in the class Insecta that turn into beautiful moths or butterflies.
