Not All Caterpillars Are Friendly…Some Are Downright Terrifying
When it comes to the cutest, cuddliest members of the insect kingdom, which species do you think of? If you’ve seen Pixar’s A Bug’s Life, then you probably think of caterpillars.
Sure, they’re still bugs, but they’re undeniably adorable. That being said, allow me to burst your bubble for a moment. There’s a caterpillar out there that has a taste for flesh.
See that fly in the photo below? Things don’t end well for this critter.
The blur behind it is actually a carnivorous caterpillar that’s native to Hawaii.
The poor thing didn’t stand a chance.
What’s even more interesting is that other members of this caterpillar genus, Eupithecia, are herbivores elsewhere in the world. Those of the carnivorous variety have been seen chewing holes in leaves, but they typically only do this to create vantage points from which they can stalk their prey.
You can see one in action in the video below.
(via IFL Science)
While these caterpillars don’t feed on human flesh, I wouldn’t put it past them to try it out. Who knows? Maybe they’ll evolve into man-eating bugs one day. Wouldn’t that be fun?
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