NEW YORK — An intriguing new discovery has emerged from the Hawaiian island of Oahu, where researchers have identified a new type of caterpillar that exhibits a unique carnivorous behavior. Dubbed the “bone collector,” this peculiar insect has a ghastly habit of wearing the remains of its prey.
This unorthodox caterpillar roams along spiderwebs, feasting on the misfortune of trapped insects, and fashioning their body parts into a living tapestry on its own silk structure. While there are other carnivorous caterpillars whose habits might appear bizarre, this particular behavior is seen as extraordinary by entomologists.
According to Dan Rubinoff of the University of Hawaii at Manoa, the bone collector’s distinctive case, made from remnants of ants and flies, might serve as a form of camouflage. This natural disguise allows it to dine on the spoils of spider-captured prey without falling victim to the spiders themselves. This is markedly different from the typical Hawaiian caterpillars that decorate their protective cases with materials like lichen and sand.
Steven Montgomery, an entomology consultant not involved with the study, remarked upon the uniqueness of this caterpillar’s behavior and appearance. The findings of this study, which took years of observation to conclude and involved spotting a mere 62 caterpillars over two decades, have been published in the journal Science.
Predatory caterpillars are exceptionally rare across the globe, and this specific type found in Hawaii even exhibits cannibalistic tendencies. Its lineage traces back at least 6 million years, predating the islands that they now call home. Presently, these creatures inhabit a secluded area of mountain forest, which is also being encroached upon by non-native species.
Highlighting the fragile balance of the ecosystem, Rubinoff emphasized the critical need for enhanced conservation efforts to protect these and other native species from the continuous threat of invasive organisms and environmental changes.