Caterpillars are the larval stage in the butterfly life cycle.
Almost 90 percent of insects go through a larval stage, which follows the egg stage and precedes the pupal stage. The latter, in turn, precedes the adult stage. This is called complete metamorphosis
Larva Characteristics
The larva (plural: larvae) hatches from the insect's egg. It does not resemble the adult insect and often has a wormlike appearance. The fly larva, for example, is a maggot. Larvae increase slightly in size during this period and often molt their skin several times.
Differences from Pupal Stage
During the larval stage, the insect feeds a great deal and its appearance does not change much. During the pupal stage, the former larva forms a cocoon in which to develop its adult body. The pupa (plural: pupae) does not eat during this period of metamorphosis.
Incomplete Metamorphosis
The 12 percent of insects that don't undergo complete metamorphosis have a life cycle called incomplete metamorphosis. These insects, including grasshoppers, have a three-stage cycle: egg, nymph (which is a wingless, miniature adult) and adult.
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