A team of researchers has discovered a unique carnivorous caterpillar on the island of Oahu, Hawaii, nicknamed the “bone collector” for its strange behavior: it feeds on insects trapped in spider webs and decorates its body with their remains.
This finding, published in the journal Science, reveals that this insect forms a silk case adorned with ant heads and fly wings, distinguishing it from other carnivorous caterpillars that use lichens or sand.
A macabre disguise for camouflage
According to researcher Dan Rubinoff from the University of Hawaii at Manoa, this behavior could serve as camouflage, allowing it to consume trapped insects without being detected by spiders.
Entomology consultant Steven Montgomery highlighted that a case like this had never been documented in a caterpillar before.
A species with six million years of history
Carnivorous caterpillars are extremely rare, and scientists have identified only 62 specimens in two decades of study.
Their origin dates back to over six million years ago, indicating that they predate even the formation of the Hawaiian islands.
Today, the species survives in an isolated mountainous area, surrounded by invasive species, putting its conservation at risk.
The importance of insects in ecosystems
This discovery highlights the fundamental role of insects in biodiversity, although many species remain unexplored.
- It is estimated that there are 20 quadrillion ants on Earth, equivalent to 2.5 million per human.
- Despite their abundance, insects remain a blind spot in biodiversity research.
In addition to their role in pollination and pest control, insects can reveal key insights into evolution, as evidenced by studies on zombifying fungi and predators like the bone collector.
Small discoveries with big implications
The bone collector caterpillar is just one example of how extraordinary the smallest creatures on the planet can be.
Science continues to discover unique and astonishing species, reinforcing the importance of protecting the diversity of life on Earth.
Cover photo: Iceebook IA
