Hobbies And Interests
Spicebush Swallowtail Caterpillar
The spicebush swallowtail is a caterpillar that mimics a snake. It lives on the spicebush tree, hence its name, and can be found inside rolled up spicebush leaves. The caterpillar looks like a small, green snake with black, lifelike "eyes" and a "mouth" made of black and yellow components. Although the underside gives away its actual larval nature, its body has convincing snake-like markings. Incredibly, there is even a white mark on the eyeball to simulate the sun's reflection, as explained by researchers at Marietta College.
Atlas Moth
The tip of the Atlas moth's wing is camouflaged to resemble the head of the distinctive cobra snake. When disturbed, the Atlas moth falls to the ground and writhes about to complete the illusion, as reported by science correspondent Richard Gray. Evolution has been the driving force for this type of mimicry for millions of years. The Atlas moth has developed to exploit its predator's poor eyesight and reduced sense of perspective.
Amazonian Hawk Moth Caterpillar
The hawk moth caterpillar defends itself by mimicking a snake. Its black colorings, white edges and beady eyes are convincing and frightening to predators. The caterpillar has a body like a suit of armor to protect itself, according to the University of Richmond. Although the hawk moth caterpillar does not have a long body like a snake, the defense mechanism of replicating the image of the snake's head works sufficiently well to deter potential attackers.
Costa Rican Skipper Pupa
The pupa of the skipper butterfly has distinctive snake-like eye spots that deter predators including foraging birds, according to Why Evolution Is True. As the bird flies down towards the leaf litter on the forest floor and poked around with its beak, it sees what looks like a tasty meal. If the pupa is disturbed by the bird, it immediately rotates to ensure the "face" and "eyes" are seen. The bird then retreats, believing it has made a dangerous mistake.
Gaudy Sphinx Caterpillar
The gaudy sphinx caterpillar is a convincing snake-mimic. It is a dull, brown color with realistic snake markings in darker browns, black and light brown, just like the water moccasin. The texture also seems to resemble a snake; even the "eyes" and "mouth" are highly adapted to throw attackers off their scent. It is 4 inches long and 1 inch in diameter.