Cryptic Coalition

In addition to cryptic coloration allowing them to blend in with the tree trunk, these Peruvian caterpillars fool their enemies by foraging together in a large group.

Together, the caterpillars appear to be a large patch of lichen and each individual must stay tightly within the group in order to maintain the illusion.

Moving in groups can lessen attacks from predators and parasitoids and increase foraging efficiency through cooperation. This provides one example of how simple interactions can scale up to form collective behaviors that benefit the species.

Other species use similar strategies such as moving in a single file line, which may be interpreted as a snake or a liana.

--LiveScience Staff

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Credit: Trond H. Larsen, MIT