LYCOS RETRIEVER 
Butterflies: Caterpillars
built 630 days ago
Cryptic coloration is found in many butterflies. Some like the oakleaf butterfly are remarkable imitations of leaves.[40] As caterpillars, many defend themselves by freezing and appearing like sticks or branches. Some papilionid caterpillars resemble bird dropping in their early instars. Some caterpillars have hairs and bristly structures that provide protection while others are gregarious and form dense aggregations. Some species ... form associations with ants and gain their protection (See Myrmecophile).
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Pesticides kill butterflies, caterpillars, and other useful insects. Try these methods instead: Plant marigolds, petunias, mint, and other herbs that naturally repel pests. Encourage ladybugs and dragonflies to dine in your garden. Wash pests away with insecticidal soap.
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Nectar rich sources, with tubular flowers, or many florets on one flower are good to attract butterflies to your garden. Alternately, provide food sources for caterpillars which will metamorphose into chrysalis, then butterflies.
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An area can be made more attractive to butterflies if it can provide the proper environment sought by the insects. Most important are: food plants used by the immature stages (various caterpillars), food sources used by the adult butterflies, and physical environment.
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Having mated, the female butterflies lay their eggs on the leaves and stems of particular plants. Upon emerging from the ova (egg) the larvae (caterpillars) will proceed to eat the leaves of the plants they were laid on. These plants are called host plants.
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Caterpillars