Cinnabar Caterpillars on Groundsel at Warren Heath

Cinnabar Moths (Tyria jacobaeae) lay their eggs on Groundsel plants, which are toxic to most creatures other than themselves. When the eggs hatch the caterpillars feed on the pungent and toxic leaves, assimilating the poison to make themselves smell and taste bad. Any predator willing to ignore the warning colours and the bad smell and taste will die anyway from the toxicity. Isn't nature wonderful.

Hampshire Yateley Warren Heath Cinnabar Moth Caterpillar Groundsel Toxic Pungent Yateley Hampshire

ImageID:1220298, Image size: 6157 x 4105 pixels

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