Spiky horns line this stinging rose’s back.


A Caterpillar’s Body


This inchworm’s back end


catches up with its front end.


Inching Forward


Caterpillars are oſt en on the move, searching for food. Yet don’t expect speed from a caterpillar. T ey aren’t fast. T ey move along slowly. T ree pairs of jointed legs help a caterpillar hold food while it eats. Five sets of stumpy prolegs help it cling and climb. Prolegs aren’t really legs. T ey are fl eshy stubs. T ey have small grasping hooks that dig into branches and stems.


To move, a caterpillar’s body segments


ripple into action. Muscles in the rear segments contract, pushing the front end forward. Prolegs hold the front end in place while the back end catches up. Inchworms have fewer prolegs. When they move, their middles bunch up and create an arch.


legs head front antennae


prolegs


back antennae MAY 2011 5


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