Bone Collector’ Caterpillar

29.04.2025

Bone Collector’ Caterpillar

Why in the news?                        

A new carnivorous caterpillar has been discovered on the Hawaiian island of Oahu, earning the nickname "bone collector" because of its unusual behavior.

About Bone Collector’ Caterpillar

• The "Bone Collector" is a newly discovered carnivorous caterpillar found exclusively on the Hawaiian island of Oahu.
• It constructs a protective case using body parts of its prey, such as ant heads and fly wings, along with silk.
• Habitat: The bone collector is found in a small, isolated patch of mountain forest on Oahu, which is also threatened by invasive species.
• The caterpillar's evolutionary lineage is estimated to be at least six million years old, older than the formation of the Hawaiian islands themselves.
• This caterpillar feeds on insects caught in spider webs and adorns its silk case using the body parts of its prey, such as ant heads and fly wings.

About Hawaii:

• Hawaii is a S. state located in the Pacific Ocean and is made up of an archipelago formed by volcanic activity.
• It comprises eight main islands: Hawaii (Big Island), Maui, Oahu, Kauai, Molokai, Lanai, Niihau, and Kahoolawe.
• The capital city is Honolulu, situated on Oahu.
• The islands feature diverse landscapes, including active volcanoes, rainforests, beaches, and dramatic cliffs.
• The Hawaiian Islands originated from a hotspot in the Earth's mantle, which continues to create volcanic formations across the Pacific.

                                  Source: The Hindu

The recently discovered "Bone Collector" caterpillar, known for its carnivorous behavior, is native to which of the following places?

A.Madagascar

B.Hawaii

C.Galápagos Islands

D.Seychelles

Answer B