- Discovery: A new carnivorous caterpillar, nicknamed the “bone collector,” has been discovered on Oahu, Hawaii.
- Unique Behavior: It constructs a protective case using the body parts (ant heads, fly wings) of its prey.
- Habitat: Found in a small, 64 288 64 288 64S117.2 64 74.6 75.5c-23.5 6.3-42 24.9-48.3 48.6-11.4 42.9-11.4 132.3-11.4 132.3s0 89.4 11.4 132.3c6.3 23.7 24.8 41.5 48.3 47.8C117.2 448 288 448 288 448s170.8 0 213.4-11.5c23.5-6.3 42-24.2 48.3-47.8 11.4-42.9 11.4-132.3 11.4-132.3s0-89.4-11.4-132.3zm-317.5 213.5V175.2l142.7 81.2-142.7 81.2z"/>
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isolated mountain forest on Oahu.
Diet: Feeds on insects trapped in spider webs, decorating its case with their remains.
Camouflage: Scientists suspect the case may serve as camouflage, allowing it to steal prey from spiders.
Rarity: Predatory caterpillars are extremely rare, and this species is even cannibalistic.
Ancient Lineage: Its origins date back at least 6 million years, older than the Hawaiian islands.
Vulnerable: Habitat is threatened by invasive species.
Significance: First caterpillar to use ant heads and fly wings for case construction.