Bone Collector Caterpillar

Bone Collector Caterpillar Latest News

A new carnivorous caterpillar has been discovered on the Hawaiian island of Oahu, earning the nickname "bone collector" because of its unusual behaviour.

About Bone Collector Caterpillar 

• The "Bone Collector" is a newly discovered carnivorous caterpillar found exclusively on the Hawaiian island of Oahu.
• It constructs a protective case using body parts of its prey, such as ant heads and fly wings, along with silk.
• Habitat: The bone collector is found in a small, isolated patch of mountain forest on Oahu, which is also threatened by invasive species.
• The caterpillar's evolutionary lineage is estimated to be at least six million years old, older than the formation of the Hawaiian islands themselves.
• This caterpillar feeds on insects caught in spider webs and adorns its silk case using the body parts of its prey, such as ant heads and fly wings.

About Hawaii

• Hawaii is a U.S. state located in the Pacific Ocean and is made up of an archipelago formed by volcanic activity.
• It comprises eight main islands: Hawaii (Big Island), Maui, Oahu, Kauai, Molokai, Lanai, Niihau, and Kahoolawe.
• The capital city is Honolulu, situated on Oahu.
• The islands feature diverse landscapes, including active volcanoes, rainforests, beaches, and dramatic cliffs.
• The Hawaiian Islands originated from a hotspot in the Earth's mantle, which continues to create volcanic formations across the Pacific.

Bone Collector Caterpillar FAQs

Q1. What is a Caterpillar?
Ans. A Caterpillar is the larval stage of insects belonging to the order Lepidoptera, which includes butterflies and moths.

Q2. Why are Caterpillars considered agricultural pests?
Ans. Caterpillars feed voraciously on leaves, stems, and fruits, causing severe damage to crops such as cotton, maize, vegetables, and pulses.

Q3. Name a few important Caterpillar pests in India.
Ans. Key pests include Fall Armyworm (Spodoptera frugiperda), Cotton Bollworm (Helicoverpa armigera), and Cabbage Looper (Trichoplusia ni).

Source: TH