▼ Summary
– A Hawaiian caterpillar, called the “bone collector,” camouflages itself using body parts of insects found on spider webs as a defense mechanism.
– Daniel Rubinoff, an entomologist at the University of Hawaii, has been studying this genus of moths, Hyposmocoma, which includes over 600 species.
– This behavior is part of a broader range of unusual feeding and survival strategies observed in some moth and butterfly species.
A Hawaiian caterpillar has been discovered that adopts a unique and somewhat macabre strategy for survival. This caterpillar, aptly named the “bone collector,” camouflages itself by wearing the body parts of insects it finds on spider webs. This unusual behavior serves as a defense mechanism, helping it avoid predation. The caterpillar not only uses these insect remains to create its protective casing but also customizes the fit by nibbling away excess material.
Daniel Rubinoff, an entomologist at the University of Hawaii, Manoa, has been studying this genus of moths known as Hyposmocoma, which he refers to as “Hawaiian Fancy Case” caterpillars. These caterpillars are known for spinning their own casings and adding to them as they grow, using a variety of materials they find. With over 600 species in this genus, many of which are yet to be described, it offers a rich field for research.
The discovery of the bone collector caterpillar was a stroke of luck. Rubinoff and his team were on the island of Oa’hu searching for Hyposmocoma species when they stumbled upon a hollow in a tree containing what looked like a “bag of bug bits.” Upon closer inspection, they noticed a caterpillar peeking out from the collection of insect parts, realizing it was a new type of case. Initially thinking the spider web in the hollow was just coincidental, they later understood that the caterpillar had purposefully used the available materials to craft its unique armor.
This fascinating behavior adds to the list of unusual feeding habits found in some moth and butterfly species, such as caterpillars that prey on aphids, butterflies that consume alligator tears, and moths that drink the blood of livestock. The bone collector caterpillar’s method of survival by integrating insect remains into its protective case highlights the incredible adaptability of these creatures.
(Source: Ars Technica)
