The caterpillar known as 'The Bone Collector' blends in with its prey by wearing it as disguise
In the lush landscapes of the Hawaiian Islands, a remarkable discovery was made almost 20 years ago. An entomologist named Dan Rubinoff stumbled upon a carnivorous caterpillar, later named the "bone collector," in the Waianae Mountains on the island of Oahu.
This fascinating creature belongs to the moth genus Hyposmocoma, which is native to the Hawaiian Islands. The bone collector caterpillar is the only species in this lineage with unique characteristics that set it apart from its relatives.
Over the past two decades, only 62 bone-collector caterpillars have been spotted, all within a 15-square-kilometer (almost 6-square-mile) range. The bone collector caterpillar is a master of disguise, residing in spider webs, often found in trees, logs, or rock cavities.
The caterpillar carefully probes, rotates, and weaves prey remains onto its silken case, camouflaging its scent and texture to blend in with the spider's web. It waits patiently in its web to prey on insects trapped there. Each spider web accommodates only one bone collector caterpillar to prevent competition.
The bone collector caterpillar also incorporates shed skin from its eight-legged landlord into its camouflage. After feeding for several months, the caterpillar seals off the open end of its case, which later becomes its cocoon.
The discovery of the bone collector caterpillar was described by researchers on April 25 in the journal Science. The entomologist, Dan Rubinoff, expressed relief that the bone collector caterpillar was discovered before it became extinct.
Interestingly, the bone collector moth's lineage is estimated to be at least 6 million years old, older than the island of Oahu. This newfound species of caterpillar is not only unique but also a testament to the rich biodiversity of the Hawaiian Islands.
It's worth noting that the scientific name of the beetle known as the "bone collector," discovered in 2002 on the Hawaiian island of Oahu, is Cicindela oahuensis. This beetle, however, is unrelated to the bone collector caterpillar.
The bone collector caterpillar is a fascinating example of nature's intricate design, living in spider hunting grounds and fully decorating itself with body parts. Its discovery not only adds to our understanding of the Hawaiian ecosystem but also serves as a reminder of the importance of conservation efforts to protect such unique species.
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