
Keeping predators away with a horn is often subject to having one horn only.

Living in groups is another strategy some species rely on to keep predators away. While not truly dangerous to humans, some caterpillar horns may lead to skin-level reactions such as rashes or even dermatitis.Ĭaterpillars may rely on horns as a single line of defense or as one of the multiple strategies to avoid predation. They are often differently colored from the rest of the body so they stand out immediately. Horns can be bright, dark, or even black. Many fear these horns due to their color or their shape.

Mostly ornamental, horns are an evolutionary trait that aims to scare off predators. Theories behind the horns of caterpillars are based on the self-defense principles which are evolutionary traits to keep predators away.
