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Beware the Orange and Black

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Milkweed Tussock Moth Caterpillars are poisonous, as evidenced by nature's characteristic warning colors. They become poisonous by eating milkweed leaves which contain a cardiac poison. So, nothing eats them. But the adult Tussock Moth is comparatively drab brown, and would be prey only to bats. It also is poisonous, but at night-time and without bright coloration, the adult moth has evolved an organ that warns away bats with an ultrasonic signal easily detected by bats. The signal warns the bats to avoid a noxious distasteful mouthful.
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5 comments

Peggy C said:

Learned long ago if caterpillars have bright colors and hairs that stick out -- leave alone!

Nice shot - especially on black / large.
3 years ago

Ronald Losure said:

Beautiful caterpillars and interesting info about the ultrasonic signal. I've never been tempted to eat either caterpillars or moths.
3 years ago

L. L. Wall replied to Ronald Losure:

... Batman ?? ...
3 years ago ( translate )

Maveda said:

die Raupe hübscher als die graue Motte die aus ihr entsteht^^
3 years ago ( translate )

Doug Shepherd said:

Great shot. Like the interesting notes. Nature is wonderful is it not!
3 years ago