caterpillar

Everyday

1. A caterpillar is the long, soft, worm-like larva of a butterfly or moth, with many legs. tree →
2. A Caterpillar track is a moving metal belt around the wheels of a tractor or tank (often written caterpillar track). tree →

In the lessons

In science, the caterpillar is the second stage of a butterfly's life cycle: egg, caterpillar, chrysalis, butterfly. Caterpillars eat leaves and grow quickly, shedding their skin several times. Some caterpillars have hairs that sting or cause itchy rashes, so look but do not touch. Phrases: The Very Hungry Caterpillar, caterpillar to butterfly, hairy caterpillar.

Examples

• The caterpillar munched a cabbage leaf. tree →
• A caterpillar turns into a butterfly. tree →
• Caterpillars hatch from tiny eggs. tree →
• Some hairy caterpillars can make your skin itchy. tree →
• The caterpillar made a chrysalis. tree →
• We read "The Very Hungry Caterpillar". tree →
• "I writhed myself free," said the Caterpillar. tree →

Note

Spelling: cat-er-pil-lar, double l. A caterpillar is not a worm: it has legs and becomes a butterfly or moth. Caterpillars have six true legs at the front, like all insects, plus extra stumpy "prolegs".

In Jewish tradition

It means a kind of locust or devouring insect, a plague that eats crops, not only the larva of a butterfly.

Interpretation. It is one of the crop-eating swarms, like those of the plagues of Egypt. Tradition sees such swarms as a sign of God's warning or punishment, and Solomon prays that Israel be saved from them.

Examples

• He gave also their increase unto the caterpillar, and their labour unto the locust. (Writings PSA.78.46, JPS 1917) tree →
• And your spoil is gathered as the caterpillar gathereth; as locusts leap do they leap upon it. (Prophets ISA.33.4, JPS 1917) tree →
• If there be in the land famine, if there be pestilence, if there be blasting or mildew, locust or caterpillar; if their enemy besiege them in the land of their cities; whatsoever plague, whatsoever sickness there be; (Prophets 1KI.8.37, JPS 1917) tree →

Note

Spelling: cat-er-pil-lar, double l. A caterpillar is not a worm: it has legs and becomes a butterfly or moth. Caterpillars have six true legs at the front, like all insects, plus extra stumpy "prolegs".