Hyposmocoma Explained

Hyposmocoma is a genus of moths with more 350 species endemic to the Hawaiian Islands. The genus was first described by Arthur Gardiner Butler in 1881. Most species of Hyposmocoma have plant-based diets, but four species, such as Hyposmocoma molluscivora, eat snails. The caterpillars spin silk, which they then use to capture and eat snails. These are the first caterpillars known to eat snails (or mollusks of any kind).[1]

Some species feature amphibious caterpillars. This trait has evolved at least three times within this genus.[2]

Species

There are a number of undescribed species.

See also

External links

Notes and References

  1. Rubinoff D, Haines WP . Web-spinning caterpillar stalks snails . Science . 309 . 5734 . 575 . July 2005 . 16040699 . 10.1126/science.1110397. 42604851 .
  2. News: John . Roach . July 21, 2005 . Flesh-Eating Caterpillars Discovered in Hawaii . National Geographic News . dead . https://web.archive.org/web/20110722145556/http://news.nationalgeographic.co.uk/news/2005/07/0721_050721_caterpillar.html . July 22, 2011 .

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