What eats caterpillars?

Several predators consume caterpillars, including birds, bats, nematodes and reptiles. Insects such as beetles and flies also eat caterpillars. Caterpillars survive in the wild through the use of several defense mechanisms meant to either hide them from their predators or assist in fighting them.

The defense mechanisms a caterpillar uses depend upon the species. Some types have stinging hairs to protect them from being eaten, while others are able to use their colors to camouflage themselves. Others have the ability to produce chemicals that repel or poison predators. Behavioral patterns, such as hiding in leaves and flashing their colors to scare predators, are also techniques caterpillars employ.