Caterpillars are food to a number of birds, mammals and reptiles. The only way these silent, vulnerable future butterflies and moths can defend themselves is by resorting to quiet defence mechanisms, such as disguise, camouflage — or in the case of this hairy creature — warning-colouration!

Warning-colouration is a way of advertising in nature. By deliberately sitting out in the open, the bright insect is actually advertising the fact that it is inedible — that it would be wise for a predator to keep its distance.

If touched or attacked by a predator that ignores such signals, the insect may bite, sting, give off a pungent odour, or the thick, prickly hair that covers its body can use some other form of irritation.

After one nasty experience, predators usually learn to leave such dangerous ‘armed’ creatures to themselves!

— Sanctuary Features