| MadSci Network: Zoology |
Christopher,
Caterpillars do not have antennae. The structures you observed coming up from the caterpillar's head protect it from predators. They function like stink glands. When the caterpillar is irritated the glands project outward, as they did when you touched it. The glands produce noxious chemicals which repel predators. Thus, they help the caterpillar defend itself.
For more information on insects go here
Robert Houska
Mad Scientist
Try the links in the MadSci Library for more information on Zoology.