Measuring 70 mm (2.8 in) in length and about 15 mm (0.59 in) in diameter, the Cabbage Tree Moth is one of the most visually striking caterpillars in the world. It comes in a variety of color combinations – from jet-black with sharp white spines, to red with yellow spines – all very alien-like.
While their spiky armor makes them look intimidating, these giant caterpillars are completely harmless. Their spikes are soft and squishy, and the vibrant coloration is part of a natural defense mechanism designed to keep predators away.
Photo: Paul Venter/Wikimedia Commons
Ironically, instead of being a man-eating alien monster, the Cabbage Tree Moth caterpillar is actually an edible caterpillar commonly consumed by the people of Tropical Africa. Because of their large size and nutritional value, they are considered economically important.
The thorny caterpillars are voracious eaters known to strip host cabbage trees entirely of their leaves in a very short amount of time. Once they reach full size, they climb down their host tree, dig into the surrounding soil, and pupate. They then emerge as large brown moths with intricate patterns on their wings.
For more fascinating caterpillars, check out this unique screaming caterpillar, this translucent caterpillar with clearly visible insides, and this twig-mimicking caterpillar.
