Book 11, Question 83
Why Do Some Caterpillars Look Like Snakes?
Some caterpillars look like snakes because it helps scare away hungry birds! Big spots on their heads look like snake eyes. A quick glance can fool a bird.
More fun facts
- Many caterpillars develop paired spots that look like the eyes of a snake or another big animal.
- A caterpillar's real eyes are tiny and look nothing like the eyes we know.
- The hawk moth caterpillar can puff up and turn around to look like a snake.
- This trick can fool birds and other hungry animals that might eat it.
- A hawk moth caterpillar lives about 10 to 30 days.
Sources: Smithsonian Magazine, National Geographic, National Geographic
Questions kids ask
Are the big eyes on a caterpillar real?
No. They are fake eyespots. The real eyes are tiny.