Rachel
Kaufman, OurAmazingPlanet Contributor
Date:
20 February 2013 Time: 02:21 PM ET
Leaf-rolling
caterpillars, widely considered pests in many parts of the world, actually play
a crucial role in forest ecosystems by building shelters used by hundreds of
other insect species, a new study says.
Caterpillars of
the genus Anaeaare the larvae of leafwing butterflies (so named because
their wings mimic dead leaves). They protect themselves while caterpillars by
rolling themselves up in a leaf — like rolling a cigar. They secure the leaf
with a bit of silk they produce.
But
these caterpillars aren't just building temporary shelters for themselves, it
turns out.
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