How many legs does a caterpillar have?

Expert Answer

A caterpillar has 6 true legs, plus additional false legs called prolegs. In most caterpillars, there are usually 2 to 5 pairs of prolegs, so it can look like it has many more than six legs.

The 6 true legs are the small, jointed legs near the head. They are the insect’s actual walking legs. The prolegs are soft, fleshy grips on the abdomen that help the caterpillar cling to stems and leaves and move along surfaces.

That means the exact total you see depends on the species. Some caterpillars have only a few pairs of prolegs, while others have more, and this is one of the easiest ways to tell a true caterpillar from some lookalike larvae.

If you are identifying a larva in the garden, counting the front legs and the abdominal prolegs is more useful than just counting what looks like “feet.” In French, people often say a caterpillar has 6 true legs and several false legs.

Answered by VANROCK specialists · Published 11/5/2026