Fresh From the Amazon: A Caterpillar for Your Nightmares

Fresh From the Amazon: A Caterpillar for Your Nightmares

Written by Nick
|
Published on April 10, 2015

In case you’ve run out of fresh material for your nightmares, you’re in luck. Big surprise, another creepy crawly from the Amazon.

When unprovoked, this Peruvian caterpillar of genus Nematocampa resembles another leaf or stick. However, when it hears (via the sensing of vibrations) perceived danger, four tentacles lash out like cartoon boxing gloves on a spring to intimidate predators.

It’s believed this caterpillar belongs to the Geometrid moth family, found throughout the Americas. Strange body projections are just part of being in the family. Hopefully scientists are able to discover and study these rare creatures before environmental concerns destroy their natural habitat.

Nick

Nick