Caterpillar Chemists

Image courtesy Raudsepp-Hearne, et al. / Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute
October 2, 2015
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Image courtesy Raudsepp-Hearne, et al. / Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute

Adults of the skipper butterfly, Pyrrhopyge thericles (left), and of the moth Periphoba arcaei (right) rely respectively on speed and inconspicuous coloration to avoid predators. Their caterpillars use a combination of warning colors outside and toxins inside to defend themselves from attack. (Image courtesy Raudsepp-Hearne, et al. / Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute)