Six legs plus some The caterpillar of a spurge hawk moth (Hyles euphorbiae) has three pairs of true legs near its head (right). The larval insect also has four pairs of mid-abdominal prolegs and one pair of anal prolegs, for a total of 10 prolegs. (more) How Many Legs Does a Caterpillar Have? Ask the Chatbot a Question More Actions Share Share Share to social media Facebook X URL https://www.britannica.com/science/How-Many-Legs-Does-a-Caterpillar-Have Feedback Corrections? Updates? Omissions? Let us know if you have suggestions to improve this article (requires login). Feedback Type Select a type (Required) Factual Correction Spelling/Grammar Correction Link Correction Additional Information Other Your Feedback Submit Feedback Thank you for your feedback Our editors will review what you’ve submitted and determine whether to revise the article.

　　External Websites Ask the Chatbot a Question Written by Written by Melissa Petruzzello Melissa Petruzzello is Assistant Managing Editor and covers a range of content including plants, algae, and fungi; insects and spiders; and renewable energy and environmental engineering. She also handles... Melissa Petruzzello Fact-checked by Fact-checked by The Editors of Encyclopaedia Britannica Encyclopaedia Britannica's editors oversee subject areas in which they have extensive knowledge, whether from years of experience gained by working on that content or via study for an advanced degree.... The Editors of Encyclopaedia Britannica Last Updated: Oct. 31, 2025 •Article History Table of Contents Table of Contents Ask the Chatbot Six legs plus someThe caterpillar of a spurge hawk moth (Hyles euphorbiae) has three pairs of true legs near its head (right). The larval insect also has four pairs of mid-abdominal prolegs and one pair of anal prolegs, for a total of 10 prolegs.© Tiberiu Sahlean/Dreamstime.com Caterpillars are the larval form of moths, butterflies, and skippers. Like all insects, they have three pairs of true, jointed legs, which are attached to the three thoracic...

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