Hawaiian 'Bone Collector' Caterpillar Discovered With Unique Camouflage and Predatory Behavior

Hawaii’s ‘bone collector’ caterpillar wears the body parts of dead prey - West Hawaii Today

In a remote and lushly forested area of a single mountain range on the Hawaiian island of Oahu, scientists have discovered a carnivorous caterpillar species that makes a living in such a macabre way that they have nicknamed it the “bone collector.”

As rare as macabre: The newly discovered bone collector raupe carries a camouflage of body parts of its prey. The caterpillar occurs only on a single mountain slope on the Hawaiian island of O'ahu.

Meet the 'Bone Collector' Caterpillar: A Rare Hawaiian Insect That Wears Its Prey and Lives Among Spiders

Existing only within six square miles on the island of Oʻahu, scientists say it may be one of the strangest and most threatened species ever foundRubinoff lab, Entomology Section, University of Hawaii, Manoa Bone Collector CaterpillarA rare Hyposmocoma caterpillar, nicknamed the "bone collector," discovered in Oʻahu, Hawaii, uses dead insect parts to disguise itself on spider websThe newly identified species is carnivorous and cannibalistic, wit…

Hawaii’s ‘bone collector’ caterpillar wears dead insect parts | Honolulu Star-Advertiser

In a remote and lushly forested area of an Oahu mountain range, scientists have discovered a carnivorous caterpillar species that makes a living in such a macabre way that they have nicknamed it the “bone collector.”

Carnivorous 'bone collector' caterpillar dresses in the remains of its prey

It creeps along spiderwebs, feeding on trapped insects and decorating its silk case with their body parts.

"Bone collector" caterpillar disguises itself in the remains of its prey, scientists say

There are other meat-eating caterpillars that "do lots of crazy things, but this takes the cake," the study's author said.