Hungry Caterpillars

Our Mission: Grow a network of habitat for songbirds and pollinators in gardens across the Rocky Mountains and beyond, save water for our streams and rivers, and restore our joy in nature every day.

Caterpillars: "Pests" That Turn into Pollinators

A black swallowtail caterpillar Photo: Susan J. Tweit

You're out in your garden on a summer day, enjoying the butterflies fluttering from flower to flower, the drone of the bees and the bird song, when suddenly you notice something missing.

Weren't there flowers on the dill plant the last time you looked? And didn't that apple blossom grass (Guara lindheimeri) have a lot more blooms yesterday?

Who is Eating My Plants?

You bend down for a closer look. Aha! There is the culprit. A fat caterpillar clings to the stem, munching relentlessly at the plant you loved.

Your hand reaches out, ready to pluck the hungry pest and dispose of it.

White-lined sphinx moth caterpillar Photo: Susan J. Tweit

Wait!

Before you reach for caterpillar or killing tool, think about why these eating machines exist.

To grow fat enough that they can spin a chrysalis around themselves and within its shelter, go through metamorphosis, emerging as a winged butterfly or moth.

(Caterpillars also serve as fat- and protein-rich summer meals for nearly every kind of songbird in our region.)

The black swallowtail caterpillar in the photo at the beginning of the post, newly emerged from its chrysalis—wings still expanding. Photo: Susan J. Tweit

No Caterpillars, No Butterflies and Moths

Rather than get rid of the caterpillar eating your favorite plant, let it be. Shoot a photo—caterpillars come in amazing colors and patterns.

A boldly patterned owlet moth caterpillar Photo: Susan J. Tweit

Look it up to identify what kind of butterfly or moth it will to transform into. (Bug Guide is one good source. Another is Butterflies and Moths of North America.)

Plant a Hungry Caterpillar Garden

And next year, plant extra food for these voracious eaters. In fact, consider making a garden area just for the caterpillar stage of your favorite pollinators.

Remember: Caterpillars are picky eaters—some, like Monarchs, only eat one kind of plant (milkweed, in the case of monarchs). So before you plant, learn what foods your hungry caterpillar will eat.

And then enjoy the bounty of fluttering and hovering beauties in your garden.

White-lined sphinx moth, the winged, pollinating form of the fat caterpillar in the second photo above. Photo: Susan J. Tweit

Are You a Habitat Hero?

If your garden, park, golf course or working landscape provides habitat for caterpillars, butterflies and other pollinators, and songbirds, apply to be recognized as a Habitat Hero!

If you're chosen, you'll receive an all-weather garden sign, a copy of our Colorado Wildscapes guide to inspire you, and a special Habitat Hero Birdwatcher's Garden of plants, chosen and designed by Lauren Springer Ogden. Apply here.

Habitat Hero Garden sign