A caterpillar is the larval stage of a moth or butterfly. Caterpillars can be identified by their physical characteristics, their colors and their specific markings. Some caterpillars eat specific plants and are easily identified by their favorite food plants. Knowing the distinguishing features of caterpillars makes it easy to identify them. Here are 10 of the most famous caterpillar species in Germany that you can recognize by their specific characteristics!
Caterpillars come in many different shapes and sizes, but most caterpillars seen in the wild have the same general shape because they all have the same body parts. They have a head with two jaws for eating plants, a thorax that contains most of the caterpillar's legs, and a long abdomen that may also have some legs. The caterpillars usually live near or on the plants they eat. Therefore, try to identify the plants where you will find the caterpillars, as this will allow you to easily identify what type of caterpillar it is. The easiest way to identify caterpillars is by color. Each species is differently colored and has specific “decorations,” so to speak. As a rule, black, brown, green, yellow and white caterpillars can be identified.
The beech tooth moth is hairless
The caterpillar of the beech tooth moth (Stauropus fagi) can be seen in spring and summer. It grows up to 60 millimeters long, its color is brown and it is hairless. It leaves fine webs on the plants it attacks. The caterpillars feed on the leaves of various deciduous trees and shrubs such as European beech, hornbeam, English oak, field maple, hawthorn, blackthorn and blood-red dogwood.
Middle vine moth forms webs on plants
This caterpillar can be found in summer, from June to August. The color of the caterpillar of the common wine moth (Deilephila elpenor) can be green or brown. Distinguishing features are the black dots on the head and dark spots on the back. The caterpillars form webs between the parts of the plant and usually attack fuchsias, jewelweeds, common loosestrife and willowherbs.
Identify caterpillar species: Oak processionary moth
The oak processionary moth caterpillar (Thaumetopoea processionea) can be seen from May to August. It grows up to 50 millimeters long and can be dark green or black, with long, white hairs.The caterpillars eatthe leaves of oak and hornbeam trees. They have stinging hairs that can cause skin irritation, eye irritation, difficulty breathing and allergic reactions in humans.
Swallowtail is a protected species
The swallowtail (Papilio machaon) is one of the most striking butterflies in Germany. It is under nature protection. The swallowtail caterpillar is up to 45 millimeters long and is green with red/orange dotted black rings. This caterpillar is hairless. The animals eat dill, fennel, lovage, parsnips, parsley and wild carrots. The animals require a cool place to overwinter and they can be seen in garages, sheds, unheated basements or outdoor places sheltered from the weather.It usually takes around three to five weeks for the moths to hatch.
Brimstone butterflies can camouflage themselves well
The brimstone butterfly caterpillar (Gonepteryx rhamni) is green and hairless, with white or light green lateral lines. The color is intended to serve as camouflage against predators. After overwintering, the butterflies can be observed again from March. The caterpillars live from May to June and eat the leaves of buckthorn plants and buckthorn.
Identify caterpillars: Small frost moth
The caterpillar of the small frost moth (Operophtera brumata) grows up to 25 millimeters and can be seen from March to June. It is green in color and has a white lateral line.The caterpillars areglabrous. Their preferred food is maple, beech, oak and fruit trees. An infestation can be recognized by the fine webs on the plants.
Hawthorn owl eats fresh buds and leaves
The caterpillar of the hawthorn owl (Allophyes oxyacanthae) is greenish-brown or grayish, the belly is light gray. The caterpillar grows up to 60 millimeters long and can be found from April to June. It feeds on the leaves of apple trees, sloes, sour cherries, hawthorns, cotoneasters. In the evening, the younger stages eat the still fresh buds and the adult caterpillars eat leaves.
Box tree borer destroys box trees
The boxwood moth (Cydalima perspectalis) lays eggs on boxwood leaves.Caterpillars in boxwoodcan completely destroy a tree. The caterpillars are green, with black dots. They eat the leaves and bark of the boxwood and overwinter in the boxwood, wrapped in cocoons. When infested, the caterpillars leave behind bright spots on leaves, white webs, dead and yellowed shoots, and eaten leaves.
Evening peacock eyes like moist areas
The caterpillar of the evening peacock eye (Smerinthus ocellata) is up to 80 millimeters long and can be found from June to September. The animals live in moist forests and on the banks of water, sometimes in gardens. They are hairless, yellow-green in color, with white, slanting stripes on the side, and have prominent spots on the lateral line. The caterpillars eat the leaves of apple trees, birches and willows.
Large cabbage white butterfly eats cabbage plants
The great cabbage white butterfly (Pieris brassicae) occurs in two to three generations from March to the end of October and the caterpillars can be observed from June to October. They are colored green to yellow and are up to 40 millimeters long. The animals have noticeable black spots on the side and back and hair all over their bodies. They eat brassica vegetables such as cauliflower, kohlrabi, pointed cabbage and white cabbage. It's so easy to identify caterpillars in the garden if you know enough about the animals.
