“Bone Collector” Caterpillars Camouflage Themselves with Prey Remains

abdomen: The central “gut” area of vertebrate animals, housing the digestive organs. In mammals, this segment is typically located between the diaphragm and the pelvis.

beetle: An order of insects known as Coleoptera, encompassing at least 350,000 species. Adult beetles usually possess a hardened outer “shell” that protects the flight wings.

bug: A colloquial term for insects, occasionally used to refer to germs. In computing, it denotes errors or glitches in software code.

camouflage: A method that conceals creatures or objects, integrating them into their natural surroundings. Animals often utilize camouflage through patterns on their skin, fur, or shells.

Caterpillar: The larval stage of moths and butterflies. Caterpillars are typically elongated and consume leaves and plant matter, although some may feed on other insects.

Cavity: (In geology or physics) A large, solid space resembling a pocket. (In biology) A pocket-like formation within tissue. (In dentistry) Small holes in teeth that develop over time, often due to high sugar consumption or poor oral hygiene, referred to as tooth decay.

Endemic disease: A disease prevalent in a specific region or existing indefinitely.

Entomologist: A biologist who specializes in the study of insects, often examining ancient species through fossil records.

gene (adj. genetic): Segments of DNA that provide instructions for cellular protein production. Offspring inherit genes from their parents, which influence their appearance and behavior.

Genus: (Plural: genera) A classification grouping of closely related species, such as the genus Canis, which includes dogs, wolves, coyotes, and their relatives.

Hawaii: The Central Pacific Island chain that became the 50th U.S. state on August 21, 1959. The eight major islands include Niihau, Kauai, Oahu, Molokai, Lanai, Kahoʻolawe, Maui, and the Big Island of Hawaii. This crescent-shaped chain spans approximately 2,400 kilometers (1,500 miles) and was formed through volcanic activity. It lies about 3,857 kilometers (2,397 miles) west of San Francisco and 8,516 kilometers east of Manila in the Philippines.

insect: An adult arthropod characterized by six legs and three body segments: head, thorax, and abdomen. There are numerous species, including bees, beetles, flies, and moths.

Larva: An immature insect exhibiting a distinctly different body form compared to its adult stage. Examples include caterpillars (larval butterflies) and maggots (larval flies). The term can also apply to early developmental stages of fish, frogs, and other animals.

native: Pertaining to a specific locale. Native flora and fauna have existed in certain areas since recorded history and have naturally adapted to the environment without human intervention.

Prey: (n.) Species targeted and consumed by predators. (v.) To hunt and feed on another species.

range: The total area or distribution of a species. It can refer to the natural habitat of plants and animals or the span within which certain values can vary (e.g., temperature). Additionally, it indicates the distance something can reach or be perceived.

seed: A collection of closely related organisms capable of surviving and producing fertile offspring.