Types of moths that look like leaves. Apart from being a scary caterpillar the hickory horned devil is also one of the largest. As the wasp moth video also shows while moths get the reputation as creatures of the night there are exceptions to that rule. The rapid flapping of their wings makes a hummingbird. The hickory horned devil caterpillar citheronia regalis has to top the list for the scariest looking caterpillarthis green caterpillar has black tipped orange prickly spikes at its head that look dangerous.
For others it is a useful way to wait in plain sight for unwitting prey. Discover the amazing moths that look and sound like hummingbirds. Red sword grass looks like a sliver of wood and has a head like a shaven pencil only recognisable as an insect when it splays its legs to walk on my hand. For some animals looking like a leaf serves as protection from hungry predators.
The caterpillar which looks almost exactly like a bird poop feeds on the leaves of orange and lemon trees and can sometimes cause considerable damage. Like all swallowtail papilio larvae they possess a defensive organ called an osmeterium that looks like a snakes tongue and smells like rotting fruit. Chinese character is a white moth with brown blotches that looks just like a bird dropping. They typically feed on numerous tree and shrub species but some of their highly preferred host plants include sweet gum oak pecan willow and mulberry.
Learn more about fish frogs lizards and insects that look like leaves. However despite its fierce horned appearance this type of caterpillar is totally harmless. However unlike the latter these moths feed within their tents with foliage present at the end of the branches. Moths often use mimicry to protect themselves.