sinobug: Chalcosiine Day-Flying Moth Caterpillars and Cyanide (Click individual images and scroll fo
sinobug:Chalcosiine Day-Flying Moth Caterpillars and Cyanide(Click individual images and scroll for IDs.)The Chalcosiine (Zygaenidae) moths and their caterpillars adopt a number of mechanisms as defenses against potential predators. One of these is the synthesis of cyanide as a taste deterrent and direct irritant. The caterpillars are capable of producing the cyanide independently of their foodplant (the usual mechanism of incorporating toxins) and they remain laced with the deterrent into the adult moth stages.When alarmed, the caterpillars secrete the cyanide from tubercles on their body producing a halo of sparkling nastiness….by Sinobug (itchydogimages) on Flickr.Pu’er, Yunnan, ChinaSee more Chinese caterpillars on my Flickr site HERE….. -- source link
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