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Jewel Caterpillar
Photographer: Daniel Janzen
The gorgeous Jewel Caterpillar, a member of the Dalceridae family is the incredibly beautiful and translucent larval stage of the Acraga coa. This is a fuzzy orange moth native to Mexico, Costa Rica and other Caribbean islands. Currently, scientists still know very little about either the caterpillar stage of the species or its ãdül† counterpart. The brilliant color of the many spiny protuberances appears in contrast to the virtually transparent body. This serves as a visual warning to both would-be predators and many other potential enemies living in the rainforest. Watch this short video on Jewel Caterpillar to see it in action. The tiny body of the Dalceridae remains slightly toxic and despite their glass-like appearance, their bodies have a rather gelatinous consistency. That trait literally helps to gum up the mandibles of attacking insects. Their bellies, however, remain much more vulnerable. At times, parasitic fly maggots can enter the caterpillar’s body from there and just reside inside forever until they eventually kill the small but beautiful caterpillar. Can you imagine that? Source: https://phcorner.net/#forbidden#1vI3eqc Photographer: Gerardo Aizpuru Jewel Caterpillar Habitat and Physical Characteristics This small insect evolved a covering consisting of numerous spiny protuberances which are detachable and break off very easily. This is perhaps as a means of defense, allowing the caterpillars to elude their attackers. This Dalceridae averages less than an inch (2.5 cm) in length and together with their habit of living on the underside of leaves, that makes them even harder to spot. Most of the few individuals found so far have all been seen in the mangrove forests of South America and Central America. The animal so far appears to especially like the red mangrove tree leaves.
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