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Centaur Oakblue Caterpillar

Arhopala pseudocentaurus

Published on Project Noah
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6.0794, 80.2844

Field Notes

Description:

The species has a symbiotic relationship with ants during its larval stage. The green caterpillar has a brown saddle mark. The caterpillar is attended by ants, in particular, Weaver Ants (Oecophylla smaragdina). The caterpillar exudes a honey which is 'milked' by the ants in return for protection. No predator would normally risk tackling these aggressive biting ants to get at the caterpillar.

Habitat:

found on a Elaeocarpus serratus (Elaeocarpaceae) tree

Species ID Suggestions

Comments (7)

This is amazing! You could also post this in the Symbiosis or species interaction missions. Its such good documentation of behavior!
Amazing example! Should be a SOTD!

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