Discovery of the Rare 'Bone Collector' Caterpillar in Hawaii
Scientists unveil the 'bone collector' caterpillar, a unique creature that camouflages using insect remains, exclusively found on Oahu, Hawaii.
Carnivorous caterpillars are exceedingly rare; they make up less than 0.13% of the moth and butterfly species around the globe.
Rare carnivorous 'bone collector' caterpillars in Hawaii survive on strange diet
USA TODAY·8d·ReliableThis source consistently reports facts with minimal bias, demonstrating high-quality journalism and accuracy.CenterThis outlet is balanced or reflects centrist views.The bone collector’s origins date back at least 6 million years, making the caterpillars more ancient than the Hawaiian islands themselves.
A carnivorous 'bone collector' caterpillar dresses in the remains of its prey
Associated Press·8d·ReliableThis source consistently reports facts with minimal bias, demonstrating high-quality journalism and accuracy.CenterThis outlet is balanced or reflects centrist views.
The clock is ticking, however, as the bone collector is extremely rare and in danger of extinction, due to the large number of invasive species—especially non-native ants and parasitic wasps—that have found their way to Hawaii.
Bone collector caterpillar adorns itself in insect body parts
ARS Technica·8d·ReliableThis source consistently reports facts with minimal bias, demonstrating high-quality journalism and accuracy.CenterThis outlet is balanced or reflects centrist views.
Carnivory is one thing, psychopathic terror induction is another.
Newly Discovered “Bone Collector” Caterpillar Wears The Bodies Of Its Prey Like A Serial Killer
IFL Science·8d·Mostly ReliableThis source is generally reliable but sometimes includes opinion, propaganda, or minor inaccuracies.Leans LeftThis outlet slightly leans left.
These bone collectors are not quite parasitic, nor are they considered symbiotic with spiders.
Carnivorous ‘Bone Collector’ Caterpillars Wear Corpses as Camouflage
Scientific American·8d·Mostly ReliableThis source is generally reliable but sometimes includes opinion, propaganda, or minor inaccuracies.Leans LeftThis outlet slightly leans left.
Summary
Researchers in Hawaii have discovered a new species of carnivorous caterpillar, dubbed the 'bone collector,' which camouflages itself in the remains of prey. Found exclusively on Oahu, this caterpillar feeds on trapped insects found in spider webs and engages in cannibalism. Its behavior is a unique adaptation, dating back at least 6 million years, raising concerns for its conservation status due to environmental threats. The study highlights the rare dynamic of being both predator and prey within a spider's lair, illuminating the evolutionary marvels of Hawaii's unique ecosystem.
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