Question

When the hawkmoth caterpillar (Hemeroplanes)
is disturbed, it pulls in its legs and swells up the front
part of its body, as shown in the photograph here.
a. When swelled up, what does the caterpillar resemble?
b. What type of adaptation is being exhibited by the
hawkmoth caterpillar?
c. What is the advantage to the caterpillar?

Answer 1

Answer:

Snake mimic hawkmoth caterpillar (Hemeroplanes sp.). When disturbed the caterpillar pulls in its legs and head and expands the front part of its body, which takes the appearance of a snake. The brown part which appears to be the top of the snake's head is the underside of the caterpillar. Photographed in Costa Rica.