Caterpillar Body Parts

Larva—the second stage of metamorphosis, another term for caterpillar

Head—the head includes a brain, a mouth, 2 antenna and 12 eyes called ocelli

Thorax—the thorax is the midsection where the legs are attached

Abdomen—the abdomen contains the heart, digestive system and other organs

True Legs—all insects have 6 true legs with tiny claws attached to the thorax

Pro-legs—located on the abdomen, pro-legs help the caterpillar move and climb

Antennae—near the mouth parts, antennae help caterpillars smell and find food

Mouth parts—on front of the head, a caterpillar has mouth parts
or mandibles to tear and grind leaves

Simple eyes—a caterpillar has 12 simple eyes, 6 on each side of its head, that show light and dark

Setae—a stiff hair or bristle