The jewel caterpillar

From  Earth Unreal

The jewel caterpillar is a remarkable creature that belongs to the family of moths called Dalceridae. It is covered in brightly-colored, translucent spines that makes it look like a cute little pile of gummy candies. These spines are actually made of a gelatinous substance that can easily break off when touched. This may help the caterpillar escape from predators by leaving behind a sticky mess. The jewel caterpillar is also slightly toxic, which may deter some animals from eating it.

The jewel caterpillar can be found in Mexico, Costa Rica and some Caribbean islands, where it feeds on various plants. When it is ready to pupate, it sheds its spines and transforms into a fuzzy orange moth. The adult moth is not as brightly colored as the caterpillar, but it is still a beautiful creature. The moth has a wingspan of about 1 inch and is typically found in the rainforest canopy.

The jewel caterpillar is a fascinating creature that is sure to capture the attention of anyone who sees it. It is a reminder of the beauty and diversity of life that can be found in the natural world.

Text credit: Earth Unreal

Image credit: Arthur Anker (top),
Arthur Anker (bottom left), 
Public domain (bottom right).

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