The Abbott's Sphinx moth (Sphecodina abbotti) is interesting at best in its adult life as a moth. It is rather typical in appearance, mottled brown with raggedy wings. However, it lives its "first" life as a snake mimic. Take a look at the first photo. It can be understood that many would-be predators may mistake this larva for a snake. It's got all the looks, even down to the "head scales". However, it doesn't end there. If its appearance alone won't frighten away a predator, the catterpillar assumes the defensive motions of a snake, and litertally "strikes" with its tail end, which is actually the "head" (the catterpillars real head is the smaller end at the left). If that's not crazy enough, these catterpillars are known to hiss like a snake as well, though I did not experience this behavior.
No comments:
Post a Comment