Caterpillars become familiar to most of us at an early age, which perhaps is why we find them fascinating. Our information about them, however, is often incomplete and haphazard. In this book Mr. McClung surveys the many kinds of caterpillars and points out  their common characteristics. He describes their anatomical structure, their eating and growing habits, their natural defense against enemies, and, finally, the part they play in man's economy.

As might be expected, these vulnerable creatures have developed many ways of protecting themselves. The camouflage of the pine sphinx caterpillar makes it almost invisible among the pine needles it eats. The swallowtail caterpillar thrusts out brightly colored horns and gives off a disagreeable odor, which helps to keep enemies at a distance.

Mr. McClung concludes his study with helpful directions for raising caterpillars, so each reader can see for himself the dramatic transformation when a butterfly emerges from its chrysalis, or a moth from its cocoon. Profusely illustrated, the book is a valuable addition to the nature library at home or at school. 

From the dust jacket