Hernyó

hernyó is the Hungarian word for caterpillar. A caterpillar is the larval stage of a butterfly or moth. This stage is characterized by its worm-like body, typically segmented, and its primary function is to eat and grow. Caterpillars possess chewing mouthparts and often have multiple pairs of legs. The number of legs can vary, with true caterpillars having three pairs of thoracic legs and several pairs of prolegs on their abdomen. Their diet is usually plant-based, with specific species specializing in particular types of leaves. This feeding behavior can sometimes lead to significant damage to vegetation, making them considered pests in agricultural and horticultural contexts. During the caterpillar stage, they undergo several molts, shedding their exoskeleton to accommodate their increasing size. Once fully grown, the caterpillar will pupate, transforming into a chrysalis or cocoon, before emerging as an adult butterfly or moth. The appearance of caterpillars can vary greatly in color, pattern, and texture, often serving as camouflage or as a warning to predators of toxicity.