Newly discovered ‘bone collector’ caterpillar eats its prey and then wears its body parts like armor

New York Post - Apr 26th, 2025

A newly discovered carnivorous caterpillar, dubbed the 'bone collector,' has been found exclusively on Hawaii's Oahu island. This insect species uses the remains of its prey to decorate its silk case, a behavior that might serve as camouflage, allowing it to feed on trapped insects without being detected by spiders. The caterpillar is unique among its kind for using ant heads and fly wings in its case, unlike other Hawaiian caterpillars that use natural materials like lichen and sand. The discovery, published in Science, highlights the rarity and ancient roots of these predatory caterpillars, with only 62 specimens found over two decades of research.

The peculiar adaptations of the 'bone collector' caterpillar underscore the importance of conservation efforts in Hawaii's unique ecosystems, which are threatened by invasive species. The caterpillar's evolutionary history traces back over 6 million years, predating the Hawaiian islands themselves, signifying an exceptional lineage. Researchers emphasize the urgent need for improved conservation strategies to preserve such rare and ancient species, which continue to inhabit isolated mountain forests but face existential risks from environmental changes and human impact.

Hawaii Conservation Science Journal Entomology Bone Collector Caterpillar Dan Rubinoff University Of Hawaii Steven Montgomery

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RATING

7.4

Fair Story

Consider it well-founded

The article effectively communicates the discovery of a new carnivorous caterpillar species in Hawaii, highlighting its unique behaviors and ecological significance. It scores well in accuracy and clarity, providing a compelling narrative supported by credible sources. However, it could benefit from greater balance and transparency, particularly in presenting a wider range of perspectives and more detailed explanations of the research methodology. While the article is timely and engages readers with its intriguing subject matter, its impact on public opinion and policy is limited. Overall, it serves as an informative piece that raises awareness about biodiversity and conservation issues, though it could further enhance its relevance and depth by connecting the discovery to broader environmental themes.

Accuracy

The article provides a largely accurate depiction of the discovery and characteristics of the new carnivorous caterpillar species found in Hawaii. It correctly identifies the caterpillar's unique behavior of decorating its silk case with the remains of its prey and mentions its rarity, with only 62 specimens found over 20 years. However, there are minor discrepancies, such as the mention of 'ant heads,' which are not corroborated by primary sources that instead refer to 'weevil heads.' Overall, the core claims are well-supported by scientific findings, though some details require clarification.

Balance

The article presents a focused narrative primarily from the perspective of the researchers involved in the study. While it includes quotes from the study author and an external entomology consultant, it lacks broader ecological or conservationist perspectives that could provide additional context on the implications of this discovery. The article could benefit from a more diverse range of viewpoints, particularly concerning the conservation challenges highlighted.

Clarity

The article is well-written, with clear and concise language that effectively communicates the main points. The structure is logical, with a straightforward presentation of the caterpillar's discovery, behavior, and ecological significance. The tone is neutral and informative, making the article accessible to a general audience without oversimplifying the scientific content.

Source quality

The article cites credible sources, including the study's lead author and an entomology consultant, which lends authority to the claims made. The publication in the journal Science further underscores the reliability of the information. However, the article does not directly reference the specific study or provide a link to it, which would enhance transparency and allow readers to verify the claims independently.

Transparency

While the article provides a general overview of the study's findings, it lacks detailed explanations of the research methodology or the specific evidence supporting the claims. There is no mention of potential conflicts of interest or the broader context of the study within the field of entomology. Greater transparency about how conclusions were drawn would improve the article's credibility.