How to Find a Caterpillar

The key to finding a caterpillar is to learn about the different types of plants in your local area on which female butterflies like to lay their eggs. Once you’re able to identify certain “host plants,” you can then search the leaves and flowers of such plants for caterpillars that are native to your region. You might even want to plant some host plants at home to invite caterpillars and butterflies into your own backyard.

Part 1
Part 1 of 4:

Searching for Caterpillars

  1. Image titled Find a Caterpillar Step 1
    1
    Learn which types of butterflies are native to the region in which you live. Knowing this will help you figure out which host plants to look for when seeking the caterpillars that emerge from the eggs that butterflies lay on the plant leaves.
    • To learn more about the types of butterflies and caterpillars that reside in your area, either visit your state’s official website, go to a forestry and wildlife conservation website or office, or borrow some butterfly books from your local library.
    • There are about 20,000 different species of butterflies in the world, and about 725 different species in North America. If you live in the U.S. it’s likely that there are about 100 butterfly species near you — even more if you live closer to Mexico.[1]
  2. Image titled Find a Caterpillar Step 2
    2
    Know the different host plant types. Once you know which butterflies are native to your area, learn how to identify their host plants. You can look up images and descriptions of the plants online or in a book, or even download a mobile app. Here are some common host plants:[2]
    • Milkweed thrives in dryer climates across the U.S. and is a common host for Monarch butterflies.
    • Spicebush thrives in moist woods and marshes, and commonly hosts the Spicebush Swallowtail.
    • Paw-Paw trees grow in moist places across Ohio and most of the Eastern U.S., and commonly host the Zebra Swallowtail.[3]
    • Parsley, dill and fennel can grow in the wild but you’re more likely to find them planted in a butterfly aficionado’s garden. These herbs commonly attract the Black Swallowtail.
    • Walnut and Sweet Gum trees host the Luna Moth. Several types of walnut trees grow across the U.S. They thrive in deep, fertile soils that are protected from cold air and water-logging.[4] Sweet Gum trees thrive in deep, moist bottomland and full sun.[5]
    • Black Cherry trees host the Cecropia Moth, the Viceroy, and the Red-Spotted Purple butterfly. They grow across North America on various types of soils, but thrive in cool, moist and temperate locations.[6]
    Advertisement
  3. Image titled Find a Caterpillar Step 3
    3
    Familiarize yourself with what different types of caterpillars look like. Caterpillars look different from one another based on what species of butterfly they come from/will turn into. For example, they can be brightly coloured, hairy, spotted, skinny or fat.
    • You can narrow down which type of caterpillar you’ve found by considering the host plant. For example, if you find a caterpillar on a Milkweed leaf, it’s likely a Monarch.
    • The next step in figuring out which type of caterpillar you’ve found is to consider its appearance. As an example, Monarch caterpillars are striped yellow-green, white, and black, and look kind of thick and chubby.
    • It’s a good idea to consult a book or website if you’re unsure of which type of caterpillar you’re looking at. Some websites even help you figure out which caterpillar you’ve found using checkboxes.[7]
  4. Image titled Find a Caterpillar Step 4
    4
    Ensure that it’s the right season. It’s possible to find caterpillars between early spring and early fall each year; different butterfly species lay eggs at different times. The key is to find out what types of butterflies are native to your area, then look up when they are most likely to lay eggs.
    • Monarch butterfly eggs are laid and hatched in March and April; it takes the caterpillar about 2 weeks to be fully grown, after which it will attach itself to a stem or leaf and begin its metamorphosis into a butterfly.[8]
    • Cecropia and Polyphemus moths lay eggs in late May and June. Their eggs hatch within 1 to 2 weeks, and then the caterpillars spend the summer eating and growing, making their cocoons in August or September. They spend the winter in cocoons and emerge in late May or June as butterflies to lay eggs and start the cycle once more.[9]
    • As a general rule, June is a good time of year for finding caterpillars.
    • If you can't wait until they’re in season, it’s possible to buy caterpillars from some companies so that you can raise them into butterflies yourself.[10]
  5. Image titled Find a Caterpillar Step 5
    5
    Go to a nearby area in which the host plants for local butterfly species generally thrive. This could be a nearby field, forest, woods, your backyard or garden, or even a local nursery.
  6. Image titled Find a Caterpillar Step 6
    6
    Look for eggs or caterpillars on the leaves and flowers of host plants. These will generally be on the bottom sides of the leaves/flowers of the host plants.
    • As an example, a Monarch looks like a creamy yellow oblong dot — kind of like the head of those colored tailoring pins.[11]
    • If there are butterflies around, you might even see a butterfly lay an egg. If a butterfly lands on a leaf and lingers, it’s possible she’s laying an egg, so go and check the underside of the leaf once she’s gone.[12]
  7. Image titled Find a Caterpillar Step 7
    7
    Look on the undersides of leaves that contain holes. In most cases, caterpillars will be hiding and chewing from the bottom side of leaves.[13]
  8. Image titled Find a Caterpillar Step 8
    8
    Stand beneath host trees and shrubs and look up for hanging caterpillars. Sometimes caterpillars will hang themselves off the sides of leaves and branches or hang by silken threads, especially if they feel at risk for danger.
    9. Advertisement
Part 2
Part 2 of 4:

Handling Caterpillars

  1. Image titled Find a Caterpillar Step 9
    1
    Wash your hands. Caterpillars are vulnerable to bacterial infections and can become sick simply through our touching them. For this reason it’s important to always wash your hands before touching caterpillars.[14]
  2. Image titled Find a Caterpillar Step 10
    2
    Be gentle. Handle caterpillars with the utmost care as they are fragile and can be easily killed. Be careful not to drop them, as even dropping them a small distance can kill them.[15]
  3. Image titled Find a Caterpillar Step 11
    3
    Don’t pull on caterpillars. Caterpillars cling tightly to the surfaces on which they walk. If you try to pick up a walking caterpillar, you might tear off their prolegs. If you wish to move a caterpillar allow it to walk on to its new surface on its own.[16]
    • If you want it off your hand, lower your hand to a leaf and let the caterpillar walk on to the leaf on its own.
    • If you are keeping a caterpillar and want to change its host plant, put a new host plant into its container and give the caterpillar a few hours to move over to the new host plant before you remove the old one.[17]
  4. Image titled Find a Caterpillar Step 12
    4
    Avoid caterpillars with branching spines. If a caterpillar looks spiky, fuzzy, or hairy, it’s possible it has a branching spine that will sting you if you try to pick the caterpillar up. Most stinging caterpillars are brightly colored.[18]
    • Common stinging caterpillars include the Buck Moth, the Io Moth, Slug-like caterpillars, the Puss Caterpillar, the Saddleback Caterpillar, the Euclea delphinii caterpillar, the Hag Moth, and the Stinging Rose caterpillar.[19]
  5. Image titled Find a Caterpillar Step 13
    5
    Know how to treat caterpillar stings.[20] If you are stung by a caterpillar, you can use adhesive tape to remove any broken spines from the sting area, and then try washing it with soap and water to remove the venom and reduce irritation.
    • You can also try putting ice and/or baking soda on the sting to help with pain and swelling.
    • Caterpillar stings are similar to bee stings in that they are generally not fatal, but severe reactions can occur. If you have a history of asthma or any allergies, or allergic reactions such as difficulty breathing or severe swelling occur, seek medical help immediately.[21]
    6. Advertisement
Part 3
Part 3 of 4:

Raising a Caterpillar into a Butterfly

  1. Image titled Find a Caterpillar Step 14
    1
    Choose a container for your caterpillar to live in. Many people would prefer to leave caterpillars in their natural habitats, but if you feel comfortable taking one home, make sure you have a suitable container for it.
    • Suitable containers for caterpillars include aquariums or even one-gallon jars. The top of the living space should be breathable and securely fastened: cheesecloth or a thin-mesh screen will work well.
    • Do not simply poke holes into a jar lid, as this will not provide enough fresh air for the caterpillars. In addition, if they crawl on to the lid the sharp edges of the holes may cut the caterpillars open.[22]
  2. Image titled Find a Caterpillar Step 15
    2
    Add sticks to the container. These need to be securely fastened and strong enough for the caterpillars to crawl on and pupate on.[23] When pupating, many caterpillars hang upside down and after some time emerge as butterflies.
    • Note that not all caterpillars hang upside down to pupate, however. Some moth caterpillars dig down into the soil to pupate.[24]
  3. Image titled Find a Caterpillar Step 16
    3
    Feed the caterpillar the correct plants. Caterpillars will only certain types of plants, and this differs based on species. Your best bet is to feed your caterpillar the same type of plant that you found it on, but if this isn’t possible, find out what type of caterpillar you have and then feed it leaves from its ideal host plant.[25]
  4. Image titled Find a Caterpillar Step 17
    4
    Ensure that the leaves you feed your caterpillar are fresh. If you can fit a live, potted plant in their cage, that’s ideal. If not, make sure you are within close range of their host plants so that you can retrieve fresh leaf clippings for your caterpillar every day.
    • Caterpillars won’t eat dead, dry, or old leaves, so it’s imperative to make fresh ones available to them each day. You can keep leaves in water to preserve them, but do not keep the water in the same container as the caterpillar as the caterpillar could fall into it and drown.[26]
    • Caterpillars get the hydration they need from eating plants, so there’s no need to keep water in their container.
  5. Image titled Find a Caterpillar Step 18
    5
    Check your leaves. Make sure that the leaves you feed to your caterpillar don’t have any other insects on them. A spider could easily make its way into your caterpillar’s cage on the back of a leaf and then eat it.[27]
  6. Image titled Find a Caterpillar Step 19
    6
    Keep your caterpillar’s home humid. Caterpillars like a humid environment. If the cage looks dry you can give it a few spritzes with filtered or distilled water, or even rain water collected from outside.
    • Just be sure not to over-water the container, otherwise it could start growing mould.[28]
  7. Image titled Find a Caterpillar Step 20
    7
    Clean the container every day. Caterpillars eat roughly 200 times their body weight each day, and produce a tonne of waste called “frass.” You must clean the frass out of the cage every day, otherwise your caterpillar's environment will be dirty, mouldy and unhealthy.[29]
    • For caterpillars that hang upside down to pupate, the easiest way to keep the cage clean is to line its bottom with paper towels and then remove and replace the paper towels with fresh ones each day.
  8. Image titled Find a Caterpillar Step 21
    8
    Add soil to the container bottom if your caterpillar will pupate underground. Some types of caterpillar pupate underground and require soil to do so. If this is the species of caterpillar you have, you’ll need to line your container with two inches of soil.
    • If you’re unsure of what species of caterpillar you have, you’re best off lining the container with soil just in case.[30]
  9. Image titled Find a Caterpillar Step 22
    9
    Know the lifecycle of butterflies and moths.[31] Butterflies and moths begin as tiny eggs and then hatch into larvae (aka caterpillars). Caterpillars eat until they outgrow their skin, which usually happens about four times before the caterpillar reaches its final “instar”, or life stage between sheds.
    • In its final instar the caterpillar becomes a pupa (for butterflies this is also known as a chrysalis). In many moth species the pupa stage will involve a cocoon or the caterpillar burrowing down into soil to pupate.
    • After anywhere from a few days to a few months, a butterfly or moth will emerge from the pupa. Its goal is then to mate and reproduce before dying.
  10. Image titled Find a Caterpillar Step 23
    10
    Know how long butterflies and moths live. The lifespan of a butterfly can be anywhere from a few days to nine months, depending on its environment and ability to avoid predators. The average lifespan estimate of butterflies is one month.[32]
    • Once your caterpillar becomes a butterfly, it’s best to simply let it go.
    11. Advertisement
Part 4
Part 4 of 4:

Identifying Common Host Plants

  1. Image titled Find a Caterpillar Step 24
    1
    Look for milkweed plants in dry climates and locations. The Milkweed plant is host to the Monarch butterfly species, which is one of the most common butterfly species in North America.
    • Milkweed is a tall perennial with large, tough leaves that are usually long and oval-shaped. The plant usually grows in dryer locations and can be found in fields and along roadsides. Of the 75 types of milkweed that grow across the U.S., Monarchs favor 30.[33]
    • Milkweed seeds are often a defining feature. They are small, flat and reddish-brown, with silky hair sprouting out of one end. [34]
  2. Image titled Find a Caterpillar Step 25
    2
    Search for spicebush plants in moist woods and marshes. Spicebush is a small dark-green shrub that features oval-shaped leaves and serves as the host plant for the Spicebush Swallowtail and the Eastern Tiger Swallowtail butterfly species.
    • The plant thrives beneath larger trees located in forests and woods, and grows shiny red berries.
  3. Image titled Find a Caterpillar Step 26
    3
    Look for Paw-Paw trees in any moist area throughout eastern North America. Paw-Paw trees are the host plants for Zebra Swallowtails, and can generally be found throughout the eastern region of North America near creeks, ravines, and steep hillsides.
    • The Paw-Paw has large foliage that appears tropical and bears large pale fruits of the same name.[35]
  4. Image titled Find a Caterpillar Step 27
    4
    Search for herb plants such as dill, parsley, and fennel. The Black Swallowtail is attracted to herbal plants such as these, which can be helpful if you want to grow herbs at your home for the sake of finding caterpillars.
    • Dill, parsley, and fennel are known to grow wildly throughout North America, and can also be purchased at most garden nurseries.
  5. Image titled Find a Caterpillar Step 28
    5
    Search for walnut trees in moist bottomland areas throughout North America. Walnut trees are the host plant to the Luna Moth, which is one of the largest moths in North America.
    • Walnut trees are usually found near ravines and streams, and grow in abundance throughout the state of California.[36]
    • Walnut trees can grow up to 70 feet (21.3 m) tall and tend to have branches that grow outward into a prominent, upright rounded shape.
  6. Image titled Find a Caterpillar Step 29
    6
    Download a plant-identifying app. If you’re having trouble identifying host plants, consider downloading a mobile app to hep you. To choose a good plant-identifying mobile app, check the screenshots and user reviews.
    • Some plant-identifying apps are supported by universities and other research institutes, and kept up to date by experts in their fields. If possible, try downloading one of these apps before choosing a more commercial one.
  7. Image titled Find a Caterpillar Step 30
    7
    Get a plant-identifying book. If you don’t have a tablet or smart phone, or would prefer not to bring electronic devices with you on nature walks, consider carrying a plant-identification book with you. You can buy this at most bookstores or even pick one up from your local library.
    8. Advertisement

Community Q&A

  • Question
    How hard is it to find caterpillars?
    Community Answer
    Community Answer
    It's quite easy to find common caterpillars if you are in the right area. Places with many plants , trees, leaves and flowers will make ideal living grounds for all bugs. Check the time of year when the caterpillars you are looking for are around.
  • Question
    Where can I find a caterpillar in my own backyard?
    Community Answer
    Community Answer
    Find out which butterflies are native to the area in which you live. You can do this by doing an online search of "butterflies native to [your location]". Once you know what butterflies are in your area, find out which host plants they like (e.g. Monarchs like Milkweed), and then check to see if your backyard has any of the host plants in it. If there are no host plants in your own backyard, you can always plant some, or if you live with your parents, you can ask your parents about planting some.
  • Question
    Where can I find caterpillars?
    Community Answer
    Community Answer
    Look under leaves with holes in them and you may find one munching on a leaf. I try and look in my larger plants with big holes in but also they are very hard to find so don't be dissapointed if you can't find a caterpillar.
Advertisement

Warnings

  • Spending time in leafy outdoor areas increases your risk of being bitten by ticks. Some ticks carry and transmit the bacteria responsible for Lyme disease, a debilitating illness that can affect your brain and nervous system, muscles and joints, and your heart.[39] To reduce your risk of being bitten by ticks while searching for caterpillars, wear long pants and long-sleeved shirts, and closed-toed shoes while outdoors. When you get home from your adventure, remove your clothes and wash them.[40] You can also run a sticky lint roller over your clothes to pick up any ticks that might have attached to your clothing.
    ⧼thumbs_response⧽
Advertisement

You Might Also Like

Take Care of a Caterpillar Until It Turns Into a Butterfly or Moth
How to
Take Care of a Caterpillar Until It Turns Into a Butterfly or Moth
Preserve a Butterfly
How to
Preserve a Butterfly
Feed ButterfliesHow to Feed Butterflies In Nature & at Home
Care for a Butterfly with a Broken Wing
How to
Care for a Butterfly with a Broken Wing
Take Care of Butterflies
How to
Take Care of Butterflies
Care for Woolly Bear Caterpillars
How to
Care for Woolly Bear Caterpillars
Care for a Caterpillar
How to
Care for a Caterpillar
Identify a Caterpillar
How to
Identify a Caterpillar
Make a Caterpillar Habitat
How to
Make a Caterpillar Habitat
Care for a Giant Leopard Moth Caterpillar
How to
Care for a Giant Leopard Moth Caterpillar
Monarch Butterfly MeaningWhat Do Monarch Butterflies Represent Spiritually?
Keep Wild Caterpillars As Pets
How to
Keep Wild Caterpillars As Pets
Easily Catch a Butterfly with Your Hand
How to
Easily Catch a Butterfly with Your Hand
Catch Butterflies
How to
Catch Butterflies
Advertisement

References

  1. ↑ http://www.naba.org/qanda.html
  2. ↑ http://www.butterflyschool.org/teacher/raising.html
  3. ↑ http://forestry.ohiodnr.gov/pawpaw
  4. ↑ http://www.walnuttrees.co.uk/walnut-trees/planting-and-care
  5. ↑ http://www.eattheweeds.com/sweet-gum-tree/
  6. ↑ http://www.na.fs.fed.us/pubs/silvics_manual/volume_2/prunus/serotina.htm
  7. ↑ http://www.discoverlife.org/mp/20q?guide=Caterpillars
  8. ↑ http://www.monarch-butterfly.com
  9. ↑ http://www.prairiehaven.com/?page_id=9857
  1. ↑ http://www.butterflyschool.org/teacher/raising.html
  2. ↑ http://blog.mysanantonio.com/monikamaeckle/2010/09/desperately-seeking-monarch-butterfly-eggs-and-caterpillars-where-and-how-to-find-them/
  3. ↑ http://blog.mysanantonio.com/monikamaeckle/2010/09/desperately-seeking-monarch-butterfly-eggs-and-caterpillars-where-and-how-to-find-them/
  4. ↑ http://blog.mysanantonio.com/monikamaeckle/2010/09/desperately-seeking-monarch-butterfly-eggs-and-caterpillars-where-and-how-to-find-them/
  5. ↑ http://www.butterflyschool.org/teacher/raising.html
  6. ↑ http://www.butterflyschool.org/teacher/raising.html
  7. ↑ http://www.butterflyschool.org/teacher/raising.html
  8. ↑ http://www.butterflyschool.org/teacher/raising.html
  9. ↑ https://entomology.ca.uky.edu/ef003
  10. ↑ https://entomology.ca.uky.edu/ef003
  11. ↑ https://entomology.ca.uky.edu/ef003
  12. ↑ http://www.poisoncentertampa.org/poison-topics/venomous-critters/caterpillars/
  13. ↑ http://www.butterflyschool.org/teacher/raising.html
  14. ↑ http://www.butterflyschool.org/teacher/raising.html
  15. ↑ http://bugguide.net/node/view/203352
  16. ↑ http://www.butterflyschool.org/teacher/raising.html
  17. ↑ http://www.butterflyschool.org/teacher/raising.html
  18. ↑ http://www.butterflyschool.org/teacher/raising.html
  19. ↑ http://www.butterflyschool.org/teacher/raising.html
  20. ↑ http://www.butterflyschool.org/teacher/raising.html
  21. ↑ http://www.butterflyschool.org/teacher/raising.html
  22. ↑ http://bugguide.net/node/view/203352
  23. ↑ http://www.naba.org/qanda.html
  24. ↑ http://monarchwatch.org/bring-back-the-monarchs/milkweed/milkweed-regions-seed-needs/
  25. ↑ http://www.ediblewildfood.com/milkweed.aspx
  26. ↑ http://forestry.ohiodnr.gov/pawpaw
  27. ↑ http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Walnut
  28. ↑ http://www.butterflyschool.org/teacher/raising.html
  29. ↑ http://extension.psu.edu/natural-resources/wildlife/landscaping-for-wildlife/pa-wildlife-8
  30. ↑ https://www.lymedisease.org/lyme-basics/lyme-disease/about-lyme/
  31. ↑ http://www.fda.gov/ForConsumers/ConsumerUpdates/ucm049298.htm#WHATPRECAUTIONSCANITAKE

About This Article

Samuel Ramsey, PhD
Co-authored by:
Samuel Ramsey, PhD
Entomologist
This article was co-authored by Samuel Ramsey, PhD. Dr. Samuel Ramsey is an Entomologist and a researcher with the United States Department of Agriculture. Dr. Ramsey has extensive knowledge of symbiosis and specializes in insect disease spread, parasite behavior, mutualism development, biological control, invasive species ecology, pollinator health, and insect pest control. He holds a Bachelor’s degree in Entomology from Cornell University and a Ph.D. in Entomology from the University of Maryland. Dr. Ramsey’s research on bees has enabled researchers to develop targeted control techniques to restore honey bee populations worldwide. He also hosts a YouTube series called “Dr. Buggs.” This article has been viewed 62,793 times.
How helpful is this?
Co-authors: 9
Updated: November 3, 2022
Views: 62,793
Categories: Butterflies and Moths
Article SummaryX

To find a caterpillar, look for host plants that butterflies frequent, such as milkweed, paw-paw trees, and spicebush. You can search for pictures of these plants online, or even download a mobile app to help you find them. Additionally, make sure you’re searching for caterpillars between early spring and early fall, as this is when they typically emerge. Once you find a host plant, look for eggs on the underside of leaves and check branches for hanging caterpillars. To learn how to raise a caterpillar to turn into a butterfly, read on!

Did this summary help you?
Advertisement