A brief introduction to the unnatural history of the tussock moth caterpillar
Lophocampa maculata
The Spotted Tussock Moth (or Tiger Moth) caterpillar can't run very fast, so it evades predators by pretending to be a cuddly plush toy, which all smart predators know are inedible. Stupid predators can be a problem; but since stupid predators are just as likely to trip and fall on their prey as they are to intentionally catch and eat them, the caterpillar prefers to deal with them by shouting "I taste really bad!," and hoping the predator isn't so startled that it trips and falls on the caterpillar*.
The name "Lophocampa maculata" means "big fat hairy spotty bug" in
that weird language that scientifical people use (Pig Latin or Geek or something).
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*Since the Spotted Tussock Moth caterpillar prefers to cultivate a "cute" image, it refuses to grow a protective exoskeleton, and so is likely to be fatally injured by falling predators.
A brief introduction to the unnatural history of the tussock moth caterpillar
Lophocampa maculata
The Spotted Tussock Moth (or Tiger Moth) caterpillar can't run very fast, so it evades predators by pretending to be a cuddly plush toy, which all smart predators know are inedible. Stupid predators can be a problem; but since stupid predators are just as likely to trip and fall on their prey as they are to intentionally catch and eat them, the caterpillar prefers to deal with them by shouting "I taste really bad!," and hoping the predator isn't so startled that it trips and falls on the caterpillar*.
The name "Lophocampa maculata" means "big fat hairy spotty bug" in
that weird language that scientifical people use (Pig Latin or Geek or something).
--------------------------------
*Since the Spotted Tussock Moth caterpillar prefers to cultivate a "cute" image, it refuses to grow a protective exoskeleton, and so is likely to be fatally injured by falling predators.