Hawaii's 'Bone Collector' Caterpillar: Unique Spider Symbiosis Discovered | JQJO

Scientists in Hawaii have discovered a unique carnivorous caterpillar species nicknamed the "bone collector." This caterpillar, inhabiting a small area of Oahu's Waianae mountain range, scavenges dead insects from spiderwebs, using the spider's web for both food and shelter. It camouflages itself with the remains of its prey, a strategy that makes it the only known caterpillar to benefit from a symbiotic relationship with spiders. The discovery, published in Science, highlights the remarkable adaptability of life and underscores the threats posed by invasive species to Hawaii's unique biodiversity.