caterpillar stage

Definitions

The larval stage in the life cycle of a butterfly or moth, characterized by active feeding and growth.

The developmental phase between the egg and pupa during which an insect larva consumes plant matter to store energy for metamorphosis.

Examples

During the caterpillar stage, the insect consumes vast amounts of leaves to fuel its rapid growth.

The monarch butterfly spends the majority of its caterpillar stage feeding exclusively on milkweed plants.

Many gardeners struggle to protect their vegetable crops from pests that are currently in the caterpillar stage.

Synonyms

larval stage larva instar caterpillar phase larval period caterpillar state

Antonyms

pupa chrysalis cocoon adult stage imago butterfly stage moth stage