Quote:
Originally Posted by capobay  Does anyone know what the sticky out bits from their head and tail are for? Just curious  |
I once read somewhere that they may be a deterrent to certain parasitic species which lay their eggs inside caterpillars. If they see some lumps on the back of the caterpillar, they assume it has already been parastitized and find another on which to lay their eggs.
No idea if it's true, but it's quite possible. If you compare photos of older Vapourer larvae:
with this Fox Moth that
has been parasitized
you get the (gruesome) idea.