Like Some Caterpillars Crossword Clue

By: Five Letter Words | Last edited: May 08, 2025

Working on the "Like some caterpillars" clue from the May 08, 2025 New York Times Mini crossword? We've found the exact 5-letter answer you're seeking. For those who want a more interactive solving experience, we've developed helpful features to assist you. Use our letter-by-letter reveal option to uncover the solution gradually, or explore our carefully crafted hints—including word patterns, alternative clues with identical answers, or detailed explanations to guide your reasoning. We've also made it easy to navigate between related clues from the same puzzle. Ready to solve this entomology-themed crossword challenge? Let's discover the answer together!

Crossword Answer:

You can click on the ? tiles to reveal letter by letter before uncovering the full solution.

About This Clue

The May 08, 2025 New York Times Mini Crossword featured the clue "Like some caterpillars" with the answer FURRY. This clue references the physical characteristic of many caterpillar species that have hair-like structures covering their bodies. While not all caterpillars are furry (some are smooth-skinned), a significant number of common species do have this distinctive fuzzy appearance, making "furry" an accurate descriptor for many caterpillars that people encounter in gardens and nature.

Entomology and Scientific Context

In entomology, the hair-like structures on caterpillars are technically called "setae" (singular: seta). These bristles serve several important functions for the developing larvae of moths and butterflies: First, setae can act as a defense mechanism. In some species, these hairs are urticating (irritating or stinging), releasing chemicals that can cause painful skin reactions in predators (and sometimes humans) that touch them. The eastern tent caterpillar, gypsy moth caterpillar, and various tussock moth caterpillars are examples of species with irritating hairs. Second, the furry covering provides insulation, helping caterpillars regulate their body temperature. Since caterpillars are ectothermic (cold-blooded), their fuzzy coat can trap heat and protect them from temperature fluctuations. Third, setae can help caterpillars sense their environment. Some of these hair-like structures have sensory functions, allowing the caterpillar to detect air movements, vibrations, or pressure changes that might indicate the presence of a predator. Fourth, in some species, the fuzzy appearance may serve as camouflage, helping them blend into their surroundings or resemble less palatable objects. Alternatively, bright-colored furry caterpillars often use their distinctive appearance as aposematic (warning) coloration to signal potential toxicity to predators. The woolly bear caterpillar (which becomes the Isabella tiger moth) is perhaps one of the most recognizable furry caterpillars in North America, with its distinctive black and orange-brown bands of setae. Other notable furry caterpillars include the hickory tussock moth caterpillar, the American dagger moth caterpillar, and various tent caterpillars. Interestingly, the presence of setae is not necessarily indicative of the caterpillar's taxonomic classification. Furry caterpillars can be found across different families of Lepidoptera (moths and butterflies), demonstrating that this adaptation has evolved independently multiple times.

NYT Mini Crossword Tips

When approaching clues about insects or animal characteristics in the NYT Mini Crossword, it's helpful to think about common descriptive adjectives that might apply to the subject. For insect-related clues, common answers often draw on widely known characteristics rather than specialized entomological knowledge. The clue "Like some caterpillars" points to a characteristic that some, but not all, caterpillars possess. This wording is important - the qualifier "some" indicates we're looking for a trait that is common enough to be recognizable but not universal to all caterpillars. The five-letter constraint for this answer makes FURRY a perfect fit, as it's one of the most visually distinctive and well-known characteristics of many caterpillar species. Other possible five-letter answers might have included words like "hairy," "spiny," or "green," but "furry" is perhaps the most commonly associated characteristic with caterpillars in general popular knowledge. For biology-related clues in general, consider both scientific accuracy and common knowledge. The constructors of the Mini Crossword typically aim for answers that would be accessible to a general audience without specialized knowledge, while still being scientifically accurate. Familiar characteristics of common animals, plants, and insects make frequent appearances in crosswords. Remember that the NYT Mini Crossword tends to use everyday language rather than highly technical terminology, so "furry" is preferred over more technical terms like "setose" (covered with setae) that might be used in scientific literature.

Related Crossword Answers

More Clues & Answers For The New York Times Mini (May 08, 2025)

ACROSS

• 1. Adjective that rhymes with "sheesh" or "pitch," depending on who you ask
• 6. Colossal ___, marine animal filmed in its natural habitat for the first time in 2025
• 7. Like some caterpillars
• 8. Some spouses
• 9. Bill's time-traveling partner of film

DOWN

• 1. Letters meaning "Don't click this in public!"
• 2. "You can take this job and shove it!"
• 3. Feature of a winding road
• 4. Added to the payroll
• 5. Dreyer's ice cream, on the East Coast