A Macabre Marvel in the Wild

Discover a shocking new species of caterpillar from Hawaii that defies everything we know about these usually harmless creatures. This little predator, affectionately known as the 'Bone Collector,' leads a dark lifestyle—feasting on its fellow insects and even adorning itself with their remains.

Cloaked in Death

When not indulging in its carnivorous diet, this bizarre caterpillar cleverly drapes itself in the shattered exoskeletons of its victims, creating a gruesome disguise that serves dual purposes—camouflage and a deterrent against hungry predators. Imagine the horror of stumbling upon a creature that looks like it's wearing the remains of its foes!

The Science Behind the Savoir-Faire

Researchers, led by Daniel Rubinoff from the University of Hawaii, have uncovered that these skilled scavengers favor spider webs as both hunting grounds and hiding spots. They hunt down insects caught in the webs, stripping away the remains while avoiding the watchful eyes of the very spiders that ensnared their prey. Their bizarre lifestyle raises eyebrows, with many questioning how a caterpillar can survive alongside such lethal neighbors.

From Rarity to Risk

Found exclusively in the Wai'anae Mountains of O'ahu, the Bone Collector is extraordinarily rare. After extensive field studies, researchers have only documented 62 specimens. With such a precarious future, this species faces an uphill battle against invasive species threatening its existence. As Rubinoff cautions, 'It could be one new ant species away from being obliterated.'