What is the habitat of a caterpillar?

The habitat of caterpillars is forests and pastures where the caterpillar's diet of leaves and grasses is abundantly available. It is estimated that there are more than 20,000 species of caterpillars, including undiscovered species living in unpopulated areas.

Caterpillars are generally considered an agricultural pest since they feed on leaves, plants and crops leaving large, detrimental holes in foliage and vegetation. Caterpillars can damage fields and produce within their habitat, leaving the plants inedible or unhealthy.

After 2 to 3 weeks, caterpillars live in self-made cocoons or pupas in order to become a butterfly or moth. After its transformation, they may live in the same general habitat.