Insects and Spiders

229 / 1675

You Will Fear Me!

I found some damage in a container of pentas and discovered the culprit. I removed it & placed it on a rock for a photo shoot. It promptly tucked its head & assumed the threat position with fake big head & big eyes. Meant to intimidate predators. The fake stinger on the other end is also prominently displayed. I give it an A for presentation.
Tersa Sphinx Caterpillar Hodges # 7890 (Xylophanes tersa)

Xylophanes tersa Tersa Sphinx Caterpillar Tersa Sphinx caterpillar green morph mimic adaptive fake eyes fake stinger 5th instar garland texas bug insect close up macro rock displaying threat display intimidation