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Angled Sunbeam larva uses adorable pom-pom defense to escape predators [1]

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Date: 2025-05-07

The Angled Sunbeam larva has an unusual defense mechanism. When it feels threatened, this larva extends two small, wiggling sprouts from its head. They look like dandelions, or little pom-poms.

This is the cutest defense mechanism I've seen. This curious adaptation works as a distraction to potential predators. Once activated, the defense mechanism gives the caterpillar a chance to escape.

The idea behind this mechanism is that the movement of the "pom-poms" can confuse or even scare off predators. It makes the larva appear more intimidating or harder to focus on. In the world of defense, sometimes being cute is a great strategy!

Previously:

• Larva chocolate

• Macro Timelapse of bee larva

• This tortoise beetle larva looks like a real life Pokemon

• Caddis fly larvae coaxed into building cocoons out of precious metals and gems

• Why do Mexican jumping beans jump?

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[1] Url: https://boingboing.net/2025/05/07/angled-sunbeam-larva-uses-adorable-pom-pom-defense-to-escape-predators.html

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