jeweled tailed slug

January 8, 2018 9:36 AM

Caterpillar cameos "Predators have driven the evolution of many of these characteristics, weeding out individuals that lacked sufficient defenses. Generation after generation of natural selection has given rise to caterpillars that mimic fallen leaves or raindrops, species with eyespots that scream snake, or bright hues that warn of poisonous spines." [via]
posted by dhruva (9 comments total)

Caterpillars previously.
posted by dhruva at 9:40 AM on January 8, 2018

The best defense is to be more fabulous than anyone else in the room. I'll jot that down in my notes.
posted by 80 Cats in a Dog Suit at 9:47 AM on January 8, 2018 [6 favorites]

Perhaps its a bit off topic but I will say that's one of the first, maybe the only, time I've enjoyed that format of media presentation in a weblink/article. Thanks for that, not to mention the content.
posted by RolandOfEld at 10:20 AM on January 8, 2018 [3 favorites]

I got stung by the first little fella in the link (the Saddleback Slug Caterpillar) a couple years back doing yard work, and boy howdy it does a number on you. I felt crummy for a couple days. When I wondered on social media if I was developing caterpillar-based super powers, one wag suggested that I was merely beginning the process of turning into a beautiful butterfly.
posted by Rock Steady at 10:35 AM on January 8, 2018 [4 favorites]

Sure, Chtorrans start off all adorbs but then.
posted by ricochet biscuit at 10:51 AM on January 8, 2018

Don't lie to me, those "flannel moths" are clearly tribbles trying to sneak into our ecosystem.
posted by tavella at 10:58 AM on January 8, 2018 [3 favorites]

Flannel moths aka woolly slugs? Who knew such a delightful thing existed?
posted by MrBobinski at 5:01 PM on January 8, 2018 [1 favorite]

They look cute but those stings are pretty bad. Don't touch 'em.
posted by emjaybee at 6:10 PM on January 8, 2018

I am not a fan of creepy crawlies but wow these are gorgeous! The saddleback ones look just like little toys ambling around. Freaky little adorable poisonous toys!
posted by hurdy gurdy girl at 12:39 AM on January 9, 2018