Page 11 - The Book of Caterpillars: A Life-Size Guide to Six Hundred Species From Around the World

INTRODUCTION

9

is often modified by local expert information and regional or national ABOVE The caterpillar
of the Pale Tussock
assessments. A few vulnerable species may also be described as being on (Calliteara pudibunda)
greatly outshines its
an appendix of CITES (Convention on International Trade in Endangered dull-colored adult,
with its conspicuous,
Species of Wild Fauna and Flora); this means they are subject to an flower-like tufts of
yellow hair. These
international agreement restricting trade in specimens. are part of its defense
mechanism and a
warning to potential
predators. The hairs
SPREADING THE WORD are both urticating
and detach easily,
Anybody can study Lepidoptera, and finding and keeping caterpillars making the caterpillar
distinctly unpalatable.
should be as much a feature of a young child’s life as rearing tadpoles.
Watching these insects develop and metamorphose can be an inspirational
experience. Yet, in many places, species numbers are dwindling as a result

of habitat destruction, agricultural development, pesticide use, and climate
change. School classroom programs for rearing caterpillars, popular in the
United States, Europe, and Australia, do much to stimulate interest in
Lepidoptera and create awareness of the threat to their survival. Further
research is also required to help better manage their conservation.

Very few species cause significant damage, despite their reputation as
“pests” for feeding on cultivated plants, and, arguably, any damage is vastly
outweighed by the value of butterflies and moths as pollinators. Both adults
and caterpillars, in all their wondrous forms, play a further vital role. They

live in such a variety of habitats and are so sensitive to change within those
habitats, that scientists increasingly view the insects as an important
bellwether of environmental health. For without the caterpillar as
Lepidoptera progeny, plant regulator, and food for many creatures,
ecosystems would collapse.