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Biochemistry C&EN

Caterpillars vs. plants: a chemical battle – in C&EN

By Andy Brunning September 2, 2026
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Promo image for an infographic on caterpillar and plant chemistry, featuring images of two butterflies and a partially eaten leaf.
Click to view the full graphic on the C&EN site

Caterpillars munching on your cabbages? You’re witnessing interspecies chemical warfare in action! In this edition of Periodic Graphics in C&EN, we take a look at how plants defend themselves from caterpillars—and how some caterpillars fight back. View the full graphic on the C&EN site.

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Tags: biochemistry biology caterpillars chemistry garden pests gardening moths science vegetables
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