Newly Discovered Bone-Collector Caterpillar Camouflages with Prey Remains

A recently uncovered species, known as the bone-collector caterpillar, has garnered attention for its unique survival strategy of using the remains of its prey as camouflage. This fascinating insect is exclusively found on a single mountain slope on the Hawaiian island of O'ahu.

Researchers from the University of Hawaii have documented this carnivorous caterpillar, which creates a meticulously designed disguise from the inedible body parts of other insects it preys upon. The findings were published in the scientific journal Science.

The bone-collector caterpillar resides in a small, 15-square-kilometer area of forest on O'ahu. Its rarity is notable, with only 62 specimens observed after extensive research efforts over several years.

The discovery of such an unusual species in Hawaii is attributed to the island's geographical isolation, which has led to the evolution of numerous bizarre species. Among these are dragonfly larvae that live on land rather than in water, spiders that capture prey mid-air, and various carnivorous caterpillars. Interestingly, only about 0.1% of the nearly 200,000 known moth and butterfly species exhibit carnivorous behavior.

What sets the bone-collector caterpillar apart is not just its predatory nature but also its unique hunting technique. This caterpillar, part of the moth genus Hyposmocoma, exclusively inhabits spider webs located in tree hollows or rock crevices. It stealthily navigates these webs in search of weakened or recently deceased insects that have become ensnared. The caterpillar even resorts to cannibalism, consuming smaller individuals of its own species when encountered.

To avoid detection by their spider hosts, these caterpillars ingeniously adorn themselves with the inedible body parts of their prey. The researchers note that the caterpillars carefully measure the size of these body parts before integrating them into their camouflage. Each addition is meticulously examined and adjusted to ensure it fits seamlessly into their disguise.

The effectiveness of this camouflage strategy is evident, as no bone-collector caterpillar has yet been observed being captured by a spider, according to the study.