What is the Difference Between a Caterpillar and a Cankerworm?

There are so many different insects that it can be difficult to keep track of what’s what and who’s who. Being aware of different types of insects is important, however, especially if you’re a gardener, as what might seem like otherwise friendly critters can quickly turn into pests that can wreak havoc on your plants and trees. Two common creatures that like to take up residence in garden beds around this time of the year include the caterpillar and the cankerworm.

What is the Difference Between a Caterpillar and a Cankerworm?

Whether you’re new to gardening or you’ve been sowing plants for years and you’ve just recently discovered some new critters, you might be wondering about the difference between a caterpillar and a cankerworm. Keep reading to learn the difference between the two critters.

Caterpillars

In the larvae stage of butterflies and moths, caterpillars go through an unbelievable process of metamorphosis, a process during which something turns from one creature to another; worm-like entities that crawl on their bellies to winged adults.

Caterpillars exhibit a number of distinct characteristics and unique behaviors, some of the most notable of which include:

Physical traits

Usually, the body of a caterpillar is cylindrical in shape and features different sections. Their bodies can feature vibrant colors, unique patterns, and even pointy bristle-like structures. Some caterpillars are camouflaged to conceal them from predators.

Diet

Caterpillars are notorious for their eating habits, which appear to be insatiable. In fact, they can eat large quantities of food, particularly leaves and other types of organic plant matter.

Life cycle

Caterpillars experience several molting stages on their way to becoming a butterfly. As they go through these periods, caterpillars molt their skin and leave their exoskeleton behind.

Impact on ecology

Caterpillars are beneficial insects and a vital part of the ecosystem. They turn plant matter into energy and serve as a food source for several species, including birds, reptiles, and even other insects.

Cankerworms

Also known as inchworms or spanworms, cankerworms are commonly confused with caterpillars, but there are some stark differences between the two insects. Like caterpillars, cankerworms have unique characteristics and eating habits, which include:

Physical traits

Cankerworms have what is described as a loop-like gait. These critters propel themselves forward by stretching their bodies forward and then contracting them into what resembles a loop. It is for this reason that they are commonly referred to as inchworms, as they appear to inch along.

Diet

These insects mostly eat plant matter, like caterpillars; however, unlike caterpillars, they usually consume the edges of leaves, creating a skeleton-like appearance in the plant matter.

Life cycle

Similar to caterpillars, cankerworms go through several stages of development. Before reaching their adult moth form, inchworms burry themselves underground, and when they emerge, they’re full-grown moths.

Impact on ecology

Like caterpillars, cankerworms also serve as a source of food for several species of animals and insects. As they consume leaves, however, they can disrupt the process of photosynthesis, which can end up doing serious damage to or even killing plants.

Caterpillars vs Cankerworms: Summing It Up

Though there are several similarities between caterpillars and cankerworms, there are also several unique traits and features between these two species. Both insects play a vital role in the ecosystem, but they can also do serious damage to plant life. Being aware of the difference is important so that you can identify and if necessary, eliminate them from your garden.

Arbor Hills Tree Farm & Nursery Omaha

We provide the Highest Quality Field Grown Nebraska Trees and Shrubs – directly to our customers, at the lowest possible price.

Whether you are looking for trees for:

• new home landscaping
• wind blockage
• commercial or residential

Simply select the tree(s) you want and they will be ready for pickup or delivery the following Saturday Morning. The trees are easy to handle and plant. Click here for more information.