The larval state of a butterfly or any lepidopterous
insect; sometimes, but less commonly, the larval state of other
insects, as the sawflies, which are also called false caterpillars. The
true caterpillars have three pairs of true legs, and several pairs of
abdominal fleshy legs (prolegs) armed with hooks. Some are hairy,
others naked. They usually feed on leaves, fruit, and succulent
vegetables, being often very destructive, Many of them are popularly
called worms, as the cutworm, cankerworm, army worm, cotton worm,
silkworm.