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6     4th instar
DHJanzen100600.jpg
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A full-sized 4th instar Rothschildia lebeau caterpillar. Examine the high resolution image for a clear view of the spiny scoli on the back, harmless scoli that mimic the clusters of urticating spines on similar (but actually, smaller) caterpillars in the family Limacodidae. These defenses are likely directed against monkeys and certain species of birds (but will not be effective against those species of birds that specialize at taking Limacodidae and other urticating caterpillars as prey).
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