Description

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Context

The discovery of the Bone Collector caterpillar on the Hawaiian island of Oahu has drawn significant scientific interest due to its unusual carnivorous behavior and evolutionary significance.

About the Bone Collector Caterpillar

Feature	Details
Discovery	Found exclusively in a small patch of mountain forest on Oahu, Hawaii.
Nickname	Bone Collector due to its use of prey body parts to construct its case.
Diet	Carnivorous; feeds on insects caught in spider webs.
Case Construction	Builds a protective silk case adorned with parts of prey (ant heads, fly wings).
Evolutionary Significance	Estimated lineage age: at least six million years, predating the formation of the Hawaiian Islands.
Habitat Threat	Vulnerable due to invasive species impacting its isolated forest habitat.

Unique Characteristics

Unlike typical herbivorous caterpillars, it actively preys on insects.

Utilizes the body parts of its prey to camouflage and protect itself.

Feeds on insects trapped in webs, an unusual feeding strategy for caterpillars.

About Hawaii

Feature	Details
Location	Pacific Ocean; 50th U.S. state.
Islands	8 main islands — Hawaii (Big Island), Maui, Oahu, Kauai, Molokai, Lanai, Niihau, Kahoolawe.
Capital	Honolulu (located on Oahu).
Geological Origin	Formed by volcanic activity over a geological hotspot.
Landscape Diversity	Active volcanoes, tropical rainforests, beaches, cliffs.
Ecological Sensitivity	Highly endemic biodiversity; ecosystems vulnerable to invasive species and climate change.

Caterpillars

Aspect	Details
Definition	Larval stage of insects belonging to the order Lepidoptera (butterflies and moths).
Diet (General)	Mostly herbivorous; feed on leaves, flowers, and other plant parts.
Rare Exceptions	Some species (e.g., Bone Collector, Hawaiian carnivorous caterpillars) are carnivorous.
Body Structure	Segmented body with three pairs of true legs and several pairs of prolegs.
Defense Mechanisms	Camouflage, mimicry, toxic hairs, bad taste to predators.
Importance in Ecosystem	Act as herbivores, prey for birds and other animals; important for pollination (post metamorphosis).
Metamorphosis	Undergo complete metamorphosis — from egg → larva (caterpillar) → pupa → adult butterfly/moth.

Sources: HINDU

PRACTICE QUESTION

Q. Consider the following statements regarding the Bone Collector caterpillar:

It is endemic to the island of Oahu in Hawaii.
It primarily feeds on plant leaves, like most caterpillars.
It uses silk and prey body parts to construct its protective case.

Which of the statements given above are correct?

(a) 1 and 2 only

(b) 2 and 3 only

(d) 1, 2 and 3

Answer: c

Explanation:

Statement 1 is correct.

Endemic means found naturally only in a particular location. The Bone Collector caterpillar has been discovered only on the Hawaiian island of Oahu specifically in a small, isolated mountain forest. Thus, it is endemic.

Statement 2 is incorrect.

Unlike typical caterpillars that are herbivorous (feeding on plant leaves), the Bone Collector caterpillar is carnivorous. It feeds on insects trapped in spider webs.

Statement 3 is correct.

This is a unique behavior. The Bone Collector caterpillar builds a case using its own silk combined with parts of its prey, like ant heads and fly wings. This camouflage helps it avoid predators.