ELI5: Explain Like I'm 5

Caterpillar tree

Okay kiddo, imagine a tree outside that has a lot of long, green, and bushy things on it that move around and look like tiny animals. These are called caterpillars and they live on this special type of tree.

The tree is their home and provides them with everything they need to grow into big, strong butterflies or moths. Just like we need our homes to protect us and provide us with food and shelter, the caterpillars need the tree to survive and grow.

As they eat the leaves and move around on the branches, they leave behind little holes and marks on the leaves. This may not look very pretty, but it's a sign that the caterpillars are doing their job and growing stronger every day.

Eventually, after they eat enough and grow big enough, they will form a cocoon and transform into a beautiful butterfly or moth. So, the caterpillar tree is not just any ordinary tree, it's a special home for these little creatures and helps them grow up to be wonderful flying insects.