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2w ago

Rare Carnivorous Caterpillar in Hawaii Faces Extinction Risk

The newly described 'bone collector' caterpillar, which camouflages itself with insect remains, has been found in a shrinking 15 km² habitat on O‘ahu.

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

  • Scientists have formally described a new species of caterpillar, nicknamed the 'bone collector,' in a study published in *Science* on April 24, 2025.
  • The caterpillar scavenges and preys on insects trapped in spider webs, using their body parts as camouflage to evade detection by spiders.
  • This species is part of the ancient Hyposmocoma genus, with a lineage dating back at least six million years, predating the formation of O‘ahu.
  • Only 62 individuals have been observed over two decades, all within a restricted 15 km² range in the Waianae Mountains, highlighting its vulnerability.
  • Researchers warn that without targeted conservation efforts, this rare and ecologically unique species is at high risk of extinction.