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Jewel Caterpillar - Dalceridae

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Looking like tasty jellies, jewel caterpillars are larval Dalcerid moths. These self-sacrificing pacifists are reported to be non-poisonous and non-stinging.

 

It appears that their brightly colored glutinous bobbles detach easily when touched, perhaps creating self-sacrificial decoys to confuse hungry birds or insects.

 

In the face of aggression, retribution is not necessary. Just cover yourself in goo and passively resist like a jewel caterpillar.

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Uploaded on March 17, 2019