A rare meat-eating caterpillar has been discovered on the island of Oahu in Hawaii. This unique species was recently introduced in the journal Science and has been named the “bone collector” because it decorates its silk case with the body parts of its prey. The insect steals food from spiderwebs and uses dead ants and flies as camouflage to avoid being noticed. Scientists believe this helps it stay hidden from spiders while it feeds. Only 62 of these caterpillars have been found in more than 20 years, showing how rare they are. The bone collector is part of a group of native Hawaiian caterpillars that use natural items like sand and plants for protection, but this one is different because it uses animals.

This strange behavior shows how the caterpillar has developed a special way to survive. Researchers say this species has existed for over 6 million years, making it older than the Hawaiian islands themselves. It lives in a small mountain forest area that is now in danger due to harmful species brought from other places. The discovery has raised concerns among scientists. One expert described its silk case as “astonishing.” The study reminds people how important and fragile island ecosystems are and why rare species like this must be protected.