Which type of insects are included in the category of leaf feeders that can damage ornamental plants?

Caterpillars are classified as leaf feeders that specifically target the foliage of plants, including ornamental species. Their feeding behavior involves chewing through the leaves, which can lead to significant damage, resulting in aesthetic issues, reduced photosynthesis, and overall plant stress. Caterpillars are the larval stages of moths and butterflies and are particularly known for their voracious appetites during their growth stages.

In contrast, sucking insects, while they can also harm plants, do so by extracting sap from stems or leaves rather than directly consuming the leaf tissue. Predatory insects, on the other hand, are beneficial as they help control pest populations by feeding on other insects. Watchdog insects aren't a widely recognized category in pest management and do not specifically pertain to the feeding habits of any insect group in relation to leaf damage. Therefore, the identification of caterpillars as leaf feeders aligns with their biological and ecological roles in the environment and their impact on ornamental plants.