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2d ago

Hawaiian 'Bone Collector' Caterpillar Formally Described as Rare Carnivorous Species

Scientists reveal the ancient caterpillar's macabre camouflage and dire conservation risks in a newly published study.

Six specimens of a newly identified carnivorous caterpillar species nicknamed the ?bone collector?, which camouflages itself by wearing body parts of its prey, are seen in this handout image released by the University of Hawaii, Manoa, in U.S., on April 24, 2025. Rubinoff lab, Entomology Section, University of Hawaii, Manoa/Handout via REUTERS THIS IMAGE HAS BEEN SUPPLIED BY A THIRD PARTY. NO RESALES. NO ARCHIVES.
Image
The habitat of a newly identified carnivorous caterpillar species nicknamed the “bone collector”, which camouflages itself by wearing body parts of its prey, in Waianae mountain range of the Hawaiian island of Oahu, in Hawaii, U.S., is seen in this handout picture released by the University of Hawaii, Manoa, on April 24, 2025. Rubinoff lab, Entomology Section, University of Hawaii, Manoa/Handout via REUTERS THIS IMAGE HAS BEEN SUPPLIED BY A THIRD PARTY. NO RESALES. NO ARCHIVES.
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Overview

  • The 'bone collector' caterpillar, found only on Oʻahu, camouflages itself with insect remains to live undetected in spider webs.
  • This species, part of the endemic Hyposmocoma genus, is the only caterpillar known to cohabit spider webs and use corpse-based camouflage.
  • Researchers have observed just 62 individuals in a 15 km² area over 20 years, highlighting its extreme rarity and vulnerability.
  • Genetic analysis dates its lineage back at least 6 million years, predating the Hawaiian island of Oʻahu itself.
  • Scientists warn that habitat loss and invasive species pose imminent extinction risks without targeted conservation efforts.