While other caterpillars are naturally camouflaged, this one makes its own disguise. It plucks the petals from the flowers of the host plant and affixes them to its back using silk.
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Tuesday, March 19, 2013
Today's Trivia - An Amazing Caterpillar
Caterpillars typically use camouflage as a way of protecting themselves against predators. But none are as unique or as adorable in this act as the caterpillar of the Wavy Emerald Moth (Synchlora aerata).
While other caterpillars are naturally camouflaged, this one makes its own disguise. It plucks the petals from the flowers of the host plant and affixes them to its back using silk.
Once the petals begin to wilt and discolor, this ingenious little critter discards the old petals and picks new ones. Simply amazing.
While other caterpillars are naturally camouflaged, this one makes its own disguise. It plucks the petals from the flowers of the host plant and affixes them to its back using silk.
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That's the first time I've seen a caterpillar and thought "So cute!" And clever.
ReplyDeleteYes, it is very clever. Amazing what instincts some creatures have.
DeleteHe's so sweet! Goodness, this is a very insecty week lol.. I hope you weren't too affected by the film; I suspect there may be a sequel.
ReplyDeleteI very much enjoyed the film, and I look forward to another. It was really cute.
DeleteYou're right. That is amazing!
ReplyDeleteAnd cute!
DeleteWow! He's like the drag queen of the caterpillar world, adorning himself in beautiful borrowed finery!
ReplyDeleteHahaha...yes, that is a great way to explain it!
DeleteMust get me some of dem purple flowers...teasing!
ReplyDeleteOh, Sophie, you're so silly...
DeleteHa ha! Smart little fella or gal! Sometimes I am astounded by nature. I mean what instinct would make this particular caterpillar know to do this?? Great post.
ReplyDeleteI am astounded, too. Nature is pretty amazing. Thank goodness this little critter has that instinct to keep its species going!
Deletethat's awesome
ReplyDeleteIt sure is!
DeleteWay cool! It is amazing world.
ReplyDeleteIt sure is an amazing world.
DeleteBiodiversity never ceases to amaze me. My greatest fear is that we will destroy earth's treasures before we even know what we've lost.
ReplyDeleteI agree completely! I can't imagine how much damage we've already done, and how much we've lost become of it.
DeleteHow clever is that?! I've never heard of this before and would never have thought that that was a Caterpillar. thanks for the educational post. Chel
ReplyDeleteIt is surprising what goes on in this world!
Deletewow that is so amazing! I've never see that... thanks for sharing!
ReplyDeleteThere is always something new to learn in this world!
DeleteOh my gosh, Martha...I just love this! What a world full of wonder we live in...
ReplyDeleteYes, we really do live in a world full of wonder. Makes me WONDER why so many people don't realize that!
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