The Western Sheepmoth (Hemileuca eglanterina) 1st instar larvae group herding behavior in time lapse. Much more butterfly/moth video, photography and life cycle studies available free to the public at HTTP://jcmdi.com
It's thought that the grouping behavior confuses predators. An attacker might think it's one large animal that's too big to eat, or can't figure out where the head is (many predators go for the head of larger animals). Also - these caterpillar have spines which can sting (like Nettles) if touched. Fun eh?
It's thought that the grouping behavior confuses predators. An attacker might think it's one large animal that's too big to eat, or can't figure out where the head is (many predators go for the head of larger animals). Also - these caterpillar have spines which can sting (like Nettles) if touched. Fun eh?
jcmegabyte 4 years ago
That is interesting how they follow eachother. Is that for safety in nature
lmpluvsrcc 4 years ago