The Strange Tentacle Caterpillar: An Anti-Predator Tactic
Summary
In this article, we explore the strange behavior of a tentacle caterpillar discovered by field biologist Aaron Pomerantz in Peru. When disturbed by sound, the caterpillar responds by unfurling tentacle-like structures called tubercles. This behavior is an anti-predator tactic, as the caterpillar pumps the tubercles full of hemolymph, the arthropod equivalent of blood. The tentacles are tipped with tiny hairs that may pick up the vibrations of sound, serving as ears, and the bright white tips startle predators. This bizarre behavior is an evolutionary adaptation to protect the helpless and sluggish caterpillar from predators.
Table of Contents
- The Perks of Being a Scientist
- The Strange Tentacle Caterpillar
- The Anti-Predator Tactic
- How the Caterpillar Hears
- Evolutionary Benefits
- Conclusion
The Perks of Being a Scientist
One of the perks of being a scientist is that, unlike the rest of us, you don’t get in trouble for yelling at a caterpillar. This is precisely what field biologist Aaron Pomerantz did when he came across a strange tentacle caterpillar in Peru. The caterpillar responded by unfurling its tubercles, which is a bizarre behavior that is not normal for a caterpillar.
The Strange Tentacle Caterpillar
The tentacle caterpillar is still poorly understood, but it is clear that this weird behavior is an anti-predator tactic. The caterpillar pumps its tubercles full of hemolymph, which is the arthropod equivalent of blood. If a predator, such as a bird, swoops in on the caterpillar, the sound of its wing beats may trip the tubercles. Each tentacle is tipped with tiny hairs that may be picking up the vibrations associated with sound, serving as ears. The tips are bright white, which startles would-be predators. If a predator takes a bite of the tentacle, the structure may snap off, similar to how a lizard would lose its tail.
The Anti-Predator Tactic
Caterpillars go through all of this trouble because there are few things as helpless as a sluggish tube of flesh, and there is no shortage of predators that have them on the menu. This anti-predator tactic is an evolutionary adaptation to protect the helpless and sluggish caterpillar from predators.
How the Caterpillar Hears
The tentacle caterpillar’s tentacles are tipped with tiny hairs that may pick up the vibrations of sound, serving as ears. They are like very tentacly ears. The bright white tips startle predators, and if a predator takes a bite of the tentacle, the structure may snap off, similar to how a lizard would lose its tail.
Evolutionary Benefits
One reason why this behavior may be evolutionarily beneficial is that the caterpillars and adults do not compete for the same resources, freeing up more food in the ecosystem. However, the downside is that every so often, a scientist comes around and yells at the caterpillar, startling it.
Conclusion
The tentacle caterpillar’s bizarre behavior is an evolutionary adaptation to protect the helpless and sluggish caterpillar from predators. Its tubercles are an anti-predator tactic, and the caterpillar’s tentacles serve as ears, picking up the vibrations of sound. While this behavior may be strange, it is an effective way for the caterpillar to survive in the wild.
