Erionota thrax – Palm Redeye Skipper

A rather boring looking grub, prized by the locals for a fishing bait.

Interesting camouflage, the head looks like a caterpillar dropping. Enticing the predator to go for the wrong end. This is a tactic often seen in the bug world.

Location is Bandung, West Java, Indonesia. Alongside a stream and paddy fields.

comments (2)

Ferdy Christant

Lion

I've seen such heads before, did not know this was a tactic. Posted 9 years ago

Vodkaman

Lion

Well, this is just me thinking about what I am seeing. If the back end gets torn off, the cat can still pupate. I know which end I would shoot for if I was a predator.

The 'reasons why' can never be proven beyond doubt, but it can be shown that they work. I have seen so many hairstreaks with their back ends chewed off, presumably because of the false eyes and antennae.

Dave Posted 9 years ago

The Banana Skipper

"Erionota thrax" is a butterfly belonging to the family Hesperiidae. It is found from India, through south-eastern Asia to Papua New Guinea. In the north it is found up to southern China. It is an introduced species on various Pacific islands, including the Solomon Islands and Hawaii.

Info 9 0

Similar species: Moths And Butterflies

Species identified by Vodkaman