Camouflage is one tried and true method that animals use as a defense against predators, but this animal takes it to the next level! When people first look at the hemeroplanes triptolemus they would swear they are looking at a snake. But if you look closer, you’ll realize it’s actually a caterpillar pretending to be a snake.
When this caterpillar in Ecuador (and found in other regions of South America) is threatened by a predator, it expands its underside mimicking a snake head with black eyes! Not only that, but it will also strike like a snake to deter predators. But humans have nothing to fear. The caterpillar is harmless and feeds on leaves until it’s ready to molt and transform into a moth.
Share this unusual caterpillar with your family and friends!
Disclosure: This post may include affiliate links.