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Project Noah Nature School
Arhopala pseudocentaurus
The species has a symbiotic relationship with ants during its larval stage. The green caterpillar has a brown saddle mark. The caterpillar is attended by ants, in particular, Weaver Ants (Oecophylla smaragdina). The caterpillar exudes a honey which is 'milked' by the ants in return for protection. No predator would normally risk tackling these aggressive biting ants to get at the caterpillar.
found on a Elaeocarpus serratus (Elaeocarpaceae) tree
Spotted on Oct 20, 2013
Submitted on Oct 24, 2013
7 Comments
This is amazing! You could also post this in the Symbiosis or species interaction missions. Its such good documentation of behavior!
Thanks everyone!
Amazing example! Should be a SOTD!
Beautiful caterpillar and thank you for the information, if I just saw it I would think it was being attack by the ants!!
thanks for sharing ... so Awesome
nice !!
great finding Nuwan!